Essential Aid Provided to 663 Families Across West Africa through Ramadan Food Baskets by Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE)

West Africa is home to rich resources and cultural diversity. While each country holds its own experience and history, the region is united by its struggle against poverty and food insecurity. With 41% of West Africans living below the national poverty line, the number of those living in extreme poverty exceeds 160 million.

These staggering numbers are a result of regional instability and climate vulnerability, paired with some of the highest population growth rates in the world. West Africa has a heavy dependence on importing staple food, especially as the region is susceptible to natural disasters repeatedly destroying crops and livestock. For many, however, imported food prices remain unaffordable.

This dependence leaves the population in a fragile state, vulnerable to the surging expenses that come from global food price volatility. Further exacerbating the situation, over 70% of West Africans are reliant on rain-fed agriculture, with rural households predominantly depending on subsistence farming, which is an unreliable supply due to the unpredictable climate and frequent crop failures.

Added to this, rapid population growth has placed further strain on the food situation in West Africa, as the demand for food increases faster than can be produced. To secure food for its population, many countries must pay inflated prices that can peak above 50%. This has resulted in chronic and acute malnutrition in West Africa, with 32 million children under the age of 5 being stunted, and 7.7 million wasting away from a lack of adequate nutrition.

For many, food insecurity and poverty are just one of many struggles faced, as over 10 million internally displaced people (IDPs) are forced to flee conflict and resettle anew in West and Central Africa.

To combat the food insecurity faced by the masses, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) orchestrated a region-wide distribution of Ramadan Food Baskets across multiple countries in West Africa. From February 28 to March 01, 2025, food baskets were provided to vulnerable families in Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, and The Gambia. In total, 663 families were aided with food baskets containing a range of staple ingredients, from rice to sugar, to cooking oil, dates and proteins.

The food baskets provided much-needed assistance to vulnerable families in these countries, reaching Malian refugees, vulnerable widows, conflict-stricken families, IDPs and malnourished children. Providing relief by alleviating hunger and thirst for those in need during Ramadan, LIFE’s food charity projects have been an essential staple for the survival of thousands throughout the region.

LIFE’s food basket initiative in West Africa delivered critical assistance to almost 4,000 food-insecure individuals, ensuring that beneficiaries could observe Ramadan with dignity and adequate nourishment. Recipient families lack the financial resources to afford nutritious food and have shared their deep gratitude for your generous donations and the work of LIFE’s staff.

One Gambian recipient, Madou Guisseh, shares the sentiments felt by the thousands of recipients:

“Receiving this food basket means more than just a meal - it is a symbol of hope, care, and solidarity. In times of hardship, knowing that someone cares enough to provide for our needs brings immense relief and gratitude. This support eases our burdens and allows us to focus on our families and future with renewed strength. May those who give be abundantly blessed for their kindness and generosity.”

This appreciation is echoed by the elderly, farmers and orphans alike, as the comfort and hope your donations provided add resilience to these vulnerable communities.