A gathering storm of factors including desertification, land degradation, spiralling food prices in the face of the rise of biofuels, child malnutrition and low school enrolment rates is making life for the region's rural poor more challenging than ever.
"WFP is working in partnership throughout West Africa to address chronic malnutrition and climatic shock, and to ensure food security," said Josette Sheeran. "I look forward to meeting national and village-level leaders, as well as our beneficiaries, to discuss how we can beat hunger at its root."
