A local woman takes advantage of the World Food Programme (WFP)’s food-and-cash for work programme in the village of Dan Kada, Maradi Region, Niger.

Prices at Niger's food markets are spiking in the aftermath of a patchy harvest, causing concern among food security experts that many could soon go hungry. The failed harvest, brought on by drought, has driven prices up. According to the Government of Niger, some 750,000 people are severely food insecure, a number expected to reach one million by early 2012 as the country moves towards its traditional lean season in March and April. In response to the looming food crisis, WFP is aiming to support some 3.3 million people over the coming year with life-saving food assistance.