# Food insecurity response in West Africa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/food-insecurity-response-in-west-africa
> Updated: 2026-10-17T22:07:36.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Humanitarian and government efforts are being deployed across West Africa to address food insecurity.

In Mali, the World Food Programme initiated a food voucher distribution in the Aguelhoc region of Kidal. This operation aims to assist approximately 8,000 people, including displaced persons and host families, following assessments showing that three out of four households cannot eat adequately. The program prioritizes young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women due to widespread acute malnutrition.

In Senegal, the Ministry of Family, Social Action and Solidarity launched the 2026 Food Insecurity Response Program (PSA). Supported by the World Bank with a budget exceeding 2.3 billion FCFA, the initiative provides one-time cash transfers of 135,000 FCFA to 17,200 households across five departments: Bambey, Salémata, Saraya, Matam, and Goudiry. The government noted the program is critical for mitigating the effects of the lean season and heavy rainfall.

Implementation of the Senegalese program began in mid-October 2026. In the Bambey department, 9,218 households were scheduled to receive transfers totaling approximately 1.24 billion FCFA. Minister Marie Angélique Mame Selbé Diouf stated that beneficiary selection was conducted through the National Unique Register (RNU) and socio-economic ranking to ensure transparency and equity. The total national mobilization for the five priority departments is estimated at 2.322 billion FCFA, aiming to assist roughly 154,800 people.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Bambey receives food security cash transfers for 9,218 households

Senegal has launched a food security program providing 135,000 FCFA to 17,200 vulnerable households across five departments, including Bambey, to combat food insecurity during the lean season.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bambey-receives-food-security-cash-transfers-for-9218-households

### 2026-10-14: Senegal launches food insecurity response program for 17,200 households

Senegal is distributing 135,000 FCFA to 17,200 vulnerable households across five departments to combat food insecurity, with payments starting October 16 in Bambey.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-launches-food-insecurity-response-program-for-17200-households

### 2026-10-06: World Food Programme launches aid in Aguelhoc, Mali

The World Food Programme has launched a food voucher program in Aguelhoc, Mali, assisting 8,000 displaced persons and host families facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-food-programme-launches-aid-in-aguelhoc-mali

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Cite as: Food insecurity response in West Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/food-insecurity-response-in-west-africa