The humanitarian situation in Mali has reached a critical point, with 6.4 million individuals now dependent on aid and protection. More than 400,000 people, primarily women and children, are internally displaced. The nation is also grappling with a severe food crisis affecting 1.5 million people, while an additional 1.5 million children under the age of five are battling acute malnutrition. Beyond these stark numbers are the lived realities of men, women, children, displaced persons, and humanitarian workers.
To bring global attention to this forgotten emergency, a consortium of seven humanitarian organizations, including Action against Hunger, recently sponsored an exhibition by Malian photographer Tiécoura N’Daou. The exhibit, titled “Mali personal views on the humanitarian crisis,” just concluded its run in Berlin. This article features an insightful conversation with the artist, who is also an educator and researcher in Mali, providing a deeper analysis of the crisis in this key Sahel nation.
The rise of local flours in Cameroon
In Yaoundé, Cameroon, the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, but with a unique local twist. The Cameroonian capital recently played host to a competition celebrating the country’s best artisan baker.
Organized by the Service d’Appui aux Initiatives Locales de Développement (SAILD) in collaboration with the Association Citoyenne de Défense des Intérêts Collectifs (ACDIC), the event had a clear objective: to champion the use of locally sourced flours in the baking industry. This initiative is a significant piece of West Africa insider news, highlighting a move towards greater food self-sufficiency.
