Close to 50 million residents in West and Central Africa are projected to face food insecurity this year, a situation expected to drive hunger in the two regions to new heights.
This was revealed in the latest World Bank Food Security Update published this month. The situation, the update says is occasioned by conflicts and climate change which are negatively affecting food production and food prices.
Due to climate shocks and conflicts, food inflation in the regions are worsening remaining very high in many lower-income countries.
The update cited by The High Street Journal indicates that agricultural and export price indices have surged by 3 percent and 6 percent, respectively, making it even more difficult for vulnerable populations to afford basic foodstuffs. While the global cereal price index has remained steady, the domestic cost of food in most low-income nations continues to rise sharply, further compounding the challenges faced by millions.
Armed conflicts in countries such as Nigeria, Sahel regions, Central African Republic have disrupted agricultural activities while erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and flooding have devastated crops in countries such as Ghana.
“Food security continues to be at alarming levels in most low-income countries, particularly in Africa with an estimated 61.6 million food-insecure people in East Africa and that nearly 50 million people projected to face food insecurity in Western and Central Africa. Conflicts and climate change continue to be the main driver of food insecurity,” portions of the report cited by The High Street Journal read.
It added that, “Agricultural and export price indices have risen, closing at 3 percent and 6 percent higher, respectively. The cereal price index closed at the same level. Domestic food price inflation remains high in most low-income countries.”
For instance, Ghana’s food inflation over the last months has remained consistently high driving overall inflation. The data from the Ghana Statistical Service shows a steady increase in food inflation, starting from a low of 19.1% in August and rising to 28.3% in January 2025.
The Food Security Update warns that the ongoing crisis could push even more people into acute malnutrition, especially among children and vulnerable populations. The growing disparity between agricultural output and the cost of living has placed immense pressure on regional governments and international aid organizations to scale up emergency interventions.
The World Bank is therefore urging policymakers to implement targeted economic interventions to curb inflation and stabilize food prices.
Strengthening climate resilience, investing in sustainable agriculture, and enhancing social protection programs are among the recommended solutions to address the root causes of food insecurity in the region.
