The western basin - defined for the purposes of this study as the market system linking Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, western Mali and Mauritania - hosts a variety long-distance trade flows that support the livelihoods and coping strategies of households vulnerable to food insecurity. These cross-border flows respond to strong demand emanating from the coast's urban areas, with the Dakar-Touba area. When trade flows occur freely, the palm oil, livestock, cashew nut and groundnut businesses constitute opportunities for households in the basin to ensure their food security and cope with food crises. The study has identified a series of indicators to monitor in view of identifying risks to household food security. Specifically, economic trends in Senegal - whose demand lies at the heart of cross-border trade in the western basin - and exchange rate variations will be monitored closely. The present study also advocates for an improvement of national and regional information systems, a prerequisite for efficient public action.

Tags: cash, crisis, influence, effect, infrastructure, market analysis, market chain, market system development, traders