Due to a food crisis caused by ongoing conflict and economic turmoil, nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa will face difficulties feeding themselves in the upcoming months. In a joint statement released on April 12, 2024, the World Food Programme (W.F.P.), the Food and Agriculture Organization (F.A.O.), U.N.I.C.E.F., and the U.N. children’s agency, warned that the months of June-August 2024, will be especially devastating for the region. Countries of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Mali will be the most affected by this food crisis. 

According to the W.F.P., this figure of 55 million represents an increase of four million in the number of food-insecure people compared to predictions from November 2023. This figure has quadrupled over the last five years according to the same report. Recurring conflict is not the only factor causing the crisis anymore. Economic challenges are significantly adding to the crisis, with double-digit inflation and stagnating local production now acting as major drivers, according to Al Jazeera. Margot Vandervelden, W.F.P.’s Acting Regional Director for West Africa said “The time to act is now” and “We need to invest more in resilience-building and longer-term solutions for the future of West Africa.” W.F.P., F.A.O., and U.N.I.C.E.F. have called on governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to step up and implement sustainable solutions to mitigate adverse effects. 

Looking at the data and how it has shifted over the recent years, this hunger crisis is a massive issue and action should be taken immediately. Currency inflation, import dependence, and decreased production are all challenges that the region faces and they will not be able to handle them alone. The region has been torn apart by conflict and these economic challenges are only worsening the crisis. To ensure that millions of people do not remain food-insecure, world powers need to step up and assist these countries in promoting policies that increase local food production so that currency inflation and import dependence do not continue to affect food availability. The region has already benefited by support from various international organizations and with governments’ help and global awareness, there is great potential for impact. 

Food insecurity has long been an issue in West and Central Africa, a region that has endured ongoing political instability and armed conflict for many years. It is predicted that in 2024, 13.6 million people will be forcibly displaced or stateless, many of which will be internally displaced. Long-standing conflicts in the region as well as in other parts of the continent continue to impact the region’s people and its hunger crisis. Conflict lies as the root of much of these issues, with a multitude of effects trickling down to those who have been affected. 

In West and Central Africa, millions of people are facing a severe food crisis due to recurring conflict and economic challenges. This represents a fourfold increase over the past five years and the upcoming summer months will reach peak severity. Immediate action is crucial, as emphasized by W.F.P., F.A.O., and U.N.I.C.E.F., calling for sustained efforts from governments and international organizations. Investing in resilience-building and promoting local food production are key steps to mitigate the crisis. The global community must rally behind these efforts to break the cycles that cause food insecurity to persist in the region to ensure a more food-secure future.