Chad, a landlocked country in central Africa, faces some of the highest levels of food insecurity and starvation globally. Approximately 42% of its population lives below the poverty line. With a score of roughly 35 on the 2023 Global Hunger Index, Chad has a severe hunger level. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has disrupted trade, driven up food prices and led to below-average market supplies, contributing significantly to the severe starvation in Chad. 

In addition to the extreme poverty faced by its residents, more than 600,000 refugees seeking shelter and security have entered Chad. Already hosting more than one million refugees, the country continues to grapple with widespread hunger and food insecurity despite the substantial refugee influx. However, several organizations are actively working to tackle food insecurity in Chad.

Action Against Hunger

This organization has already assisted more than 520,000 people, yet with a staggering 5.5 million people in need in Chad, many continue to struggle with food insecurity. While Action Against Hunger (AGA) provides food to vulnerable populations, the ready-made supplies are only a temporary solution. To address this issue more sustainably, AGA is teaching communities in Chad how to grow their own crops and manage limited rainfall to enhance local food production.

Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide has addressed food insecurity in Chad by implementing programs designed to enhance livelihoods. These initiatives provide participants the tools to achieve sustainable living, acquire new skills, improve crop yields and nutritional quality and generate income through small businesses.

Concern Worldwide’s efforts to build sustainable livelihoods in Chad have reached 62,000 people. The organization has also provided free health services, improved nutritional support and access to clean and safe drinking water to approximately 133,000 vulnerable individuals and people with disabilities.

Additionally, Concern Worldwide launched the Concerted and Inclusive Development in the Lake Province (DECILAC), a pioneering project supported by Facilité G5 Sahel. This project focuses on inclusively investing in food security, strengthening local value chains, enhancing education and mitigating food insecurity in the Lac province.

The World Food Programme

The World Food Programme (WFP) plans to assist 2.5 million people across Chad, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and other vulnerable groups. Between June and August 2024, WFP aims to reach more than one million individuals with food, cash and nutritional advice. The organization also focuses on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers facing food insecurity by providing malnutrition treatments and supporting school children with nutritious meals to help combat hunger and promote education.

Final Note

While hunger rates in Chad are high, the efforts of organizations like WFP and Concern Worldwide offer hope for a brighter future. With continued support and intervention, Chad can work toward overcoming these challenges, enabling its people to thrive within their communities and shift from merely surviving to truly living.

– Sadie Virgin

Sadie is based in Newport, Wales, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons