How 47 Million People Are At Risk Of Food Crisis By Mid-2025 – ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised concerns over a looming food crisis that could affect 47 million people in West Africa between June and August 2025. The regional body has called for urgent measures to strengthen food security and prevent the crisis from escalating.

Currently, about 34.7 million people in the region require immediate food and nutrition assistance. This alarming figure could increase if action is not taken to address food shortages, conflicts, economic instability, and climate change effects.

Food Insecurity in West Africa is Growing

Speaking at the third meeting of the Management Committee of the Regional Food Security Reserve (RFSR) in Abuja, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, stressed the need for urgent intervention. She was represented by the Acting Executive Director of the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food, Mr. Mohammed Zongo.

“The food and nutrition security situation in West Africa and the Sahel has worsened in recent years. Analyses carried out in December 2024 revealed that nearly 34.7 million people need immediate assistance. Without effective measures, this number could reach 47 million by mid-2025,” she said.

ECOWAS also highlighted that global acute malnutrition rates in several areas of the region range between 10% and 14%. The ongoing food insecurity is driven by multiple factors, including regional conflicts, economic crises, and climate change.

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Urgent Need for Stronger Food Security Measures

ECOWAS stressed the importance of immediate response mechanisms to strengthen food security. Food security stocks, it noted, play a crucial role in social protection and crisis management at local, national, and regional levels.

Toure-Litse stated that the meeting in Abuja was necessary to review operations carried out since March 2023 and to plan interventions for 2025. Discussions focused on food purchases, stock replenishment, and new storage spaces to enhance crisis response.

“Our discussions and decisions will ensure transparency, efficiency, and fairness in managing the Reserve while adapting to future challenges,” she added.

Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister Calls for Stronger Strategies

Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, also spoke at the event. Represented by Permanent Secretary Marcus Ogunbiyi, he stressed the need for better strategies to handle the growing food crisis.

“This meeting comes at a worrying time for our region. The food security situation has worsened due to conflicts, economic instability, and climate change. Declining funding and geopolitical challenges further complicate the situation,” Kyari said.

He added that the food reserve remains a key pillar in the region’s strategy to tackle food insecurity. He called for stronger policies on food production, strategic storage, market stability, and price regulation.

ECOWAS Food Security Reserve and Its Role

The ECOWAS Regional Food Security Reserve was established in 2013 to help member states, Chad, and Mauritania manage food crises. The Reserve aims to:

• Provide rapid food assistance to populations facing food crises.
• Strengthen regional solidarity among member states.
• Promote food sovereignty and regional integration.

Since its establishment, the Reserve has made progress in food storage and distribution. It currently holds over 74,000 tonnes of food, ready to be deployed in emergency situations.

Way Forward for Food Security in West Africa

ECOWAS has urged governments and international partners to take immediate steps to prevent the crisis from escalating. The organisation called for increased investment in agriculture, improved food distribution, and better management of food reserves.

With millions at risk, regional leaders face pressure to act swiftly. Strengthening food security policies and improving resilience against economic and climate challenges will be critical in addressing the crisis.