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Key takeawaysA study in Nigeria links climate shocks such as droughts and extreme weather to increased rates of stunting and other poor outcomes for children’s health.Associated declines in farm production affect children’s diets and health during a critical period of development, with impacts strongest for vulnerable households.Policy action to address this connection is urgently needed, including strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and improving market access.Nigeria is facing mounting climate variabilities that threaten food production, livelihoods, and child nutritional status.

Climatic change, including declining precipitation, droughts, and rising temperatures, threatens agricultural production and productivity and food security of smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. The rainfed agriculture that smallholders rely on is inherently exposed to climate variability and change. Smallholders with low access to climate-smart agricultural technologies and limited alternative livelihood strategies are most vulnerable to climate shocks.

The conflict in Sudan, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has escalated since April 2023 into a significant crisis. This conflict has severely degraded the food security of many Sudanese households, with profound effects on their diets, coping strategies, and overall welfare.

Extreme weather events, including prolonged flooding and dry spells, continue to drive up acute food insecurity throughout mainland Tanzania, according to a new IPC analysis. An estimated 10 percent of the analyzed population will continue to face IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) food insecurity or above through May 2026, with as many as 1 million people in Phase 3 and unable to meet their daily food needs. Consistent climate shocks coupled with ongoing market instability have significantly reduced households’ purchasing power, particularly in rural areas.

The risk of famine continues to grow in South Sudan as a result of continued and spreading conflict. According to a new IPC Alert released this week, by July, as many as 7.8 million South Sudanese—more than half the analyzed population—will face acute food insecurity, while around 73,000 people in four counties will be at risk for IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) levels of food insecurity, including famine and starvation.