Mali Food Security Update: Insurgency Maintains Kidal and Ménaka in Emergency

Mali's Kidal and Ménaka regions remain in Emergency (Phase 4 of the IPC) due to significant consumption deficits caused by insecurity disrupting livelihoods and markets. In Ménaka, a shift towards Crisis (Phase 3 of the IPC) is expected in October with the availability of harvests and foraged products. However, Kidal is expected to maintain Emergency (Phase 4 of the IPC) levels until January 2027 with severe disruptions to economic activities and market dysfunction. Agricultural activities in Mali are experiencing a decline in areas affected by insecurity and localized rainfall deficits. Despite ongoing labor-intensive agricultural activities offering moderate income and food opportunities for poor households in agricultural zones, they are decreasing in some areas. From October, the availability of harvests, in-kind payments, and seasonal price drops will improve access to food for households, leading to more widespread Minimal (Phase 1 of the IPC) outcomes in the south and west of the country and improved Crisis (Phase 3 of the IPC) to Stress (Phase 2 of the IPC) outcomes in conflict-affected zones.