Food Security in WAEMU: Current Challenges and a Way Forward

Selected Issues Papers, June 6, 2025

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Food insecurity in WAEMU has worsened over the last few years.
Main drivers identified: conflicts, climate, and affordability issues.
The Sahel zone is in a particularly difficult situation.
The region is highly vulnerable to climate change and dependent on food imports.
If left unaddressed, food insecurity could have a lasting adverse impact on economic growth and development.
Durable solutions require solidarity and well-targeted, coordinated efforts by national and regional authorities in collaboration with partners.

Conflicts: contribute to displacement and reduced food access.
Climate: high vulnerability to climate change affects agricultural productivity and food availability.
Affordability: food affordability issues and food inflation constrain household access to food.
Trade and dependence: dependence on food imports exposes the region to international market shocks.
Security environment: described as complex, exacerbating vulnerabilities in the Sahel zone.

Potential lasting adverse impact on economic growth and development if food insecurity is not addressed.
Nutrition and humanitarian consequences implied by deterioration in food security and affordability.
Regional implications given WAEMU’s dependence on imports and the concentrated difficulties in the Sahel zone.

Emphasize solidarity among countries within WAEMU and with external partners.
Implement well-targeted and coordinated efforts by national and regional authorities.
Collaborate with partners to design and deploy durable responses to food insecurity.
Focus areas suggested by subject keywords: Crisis Prevention, Economic Resilience, Food Systems, Humanitarian Response, Nutrition, Regional Cooperation, Sustainable Agriculture, and addressing Trade barriers.