Malnutrition rates across West Africa are hovering between 10% and 15%, and in some areas have risen beyond the emergency threshold level of 15%. More than one million children are at risk of severe malnutrition. In parts of Chad, some villagers are digging up ant hills to gather grain that the ants have stored. Drought, high food prices, severe poverty and regional conflict are all contributory factors.

Oxfam is scaling up its existing programmes across the region, aiming to reach 1 million people during the next 6 months. Working with local communities, we will provide immediate relief, help address the longer-term threats to livelihoods, and lobby governments and other organisations to provide aid.