Togo/ Regional food security meeting in Lomé warns of looming crisis
Lomé has been hosting a major regional consultation on food and nutrition in West Africa and the Sahel since Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Organized by the regional Prevention and Management of Food Crises mechanism (PREGEC), the gathering brings together key stakeholders to assess the 2025–2026 agricultural season and update data on food crises affecting the region.
The figures presented are alarming. Current analyses indicate that more than 41.7 million people require emergency food assistance.
However, the most serious warning concerns the lean season expected between June and August.
Participants cautioned that this number could rise to 52.7 million if appropriate measures are not swiftly implemented, a wake‑up call from PREGEC actors to states and their partners.
Despite slight improvements in some areas, the situation remains critical. Traoré Sy Martial, coordinator of the food and nutrition security support program at the Permanent Inter‑State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), outlined persistent vulnerabilities.
Security crises, massive population displacement and inflation continue to weigh heavily on household living conditions.
The region now counts nearly 9 million displaced people, placing immense pressure on already fragile food systems.
Beyond the assessment, the consultation aims to strengthen regional coordination and guide future interventions.
Discussions are expected to validate final results of the agro pastoral campaign and update early warning tools.
“This meeting allows us to take final stock and update the data,” the coordinator emphasized, stressing the importance of a response adapted to a constantly evolving situation.
The consultation, which concludes on Friday, March 27, 2026, is expected to produce strong recommendations to bolster public policies and improve food crisis management.
In a region still marked by high vulnerability, Lomé’s gathering underscores that food security remains a major challenge requiring solidarity and collective action.
Kodjovi Makafui
