Millions at risk in the Sahel food crisis

The UN projects 20 million people to be at risk of food insecurity in the Sahel region, with 2.5 million needing "urgent lifesaving food assistance".

According to the UN, five million children younger than five in the region will suffer from malnutrition this year.

At the event in Rome, the UN launched a three-year response plan, to help the Sahel, which it defines as a nine-country region stretching from Chad to Senegal.

"A dramatic increase in the number of food insecure is expected, driven in particular by a deterioration in the food security situation in Northern Nigeria, Northern Cameroon and Senegal. These three countries represent over 40 percent of the overall caseload," the response plan said.

Besides instability in countries like Nigeria and Mali, population growth and high food prices are contributing to the problem.

Millions at risk in the Sahel food crisis - Africa - Al Jazeera English