Chad launches subsidized food programme to support vulnerable families in N’Djamena

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The Chadian government, through the National Office for Food Security (ONASA), has launched a major subsidized food sale targeting vulnerable communities in the capital, as part of its strategy to combat food insecurity during the lean season.

On August 7, the programme officially began in the 9th district of N’Djamena, offering essential food items at significantly reduced prices. The sale includes over 120 tonnes of basic commodities, such as 3,000 bags of rice, 200 bags of corn, 150 bags of sorghum, 200 bags of sugar, and 500 litres of cooking oil.

The food items are being sold at the following rates: 100kg of sorghum for 10,000 CFA francs, 50kg of corn for 5,000 CFA francs, 50kg of sugar for 15,000 CFA francs, and a 20-litre can of oil for 15,000 CFA francs — prices well below market value.

“These are not donations. These are products sold at subsidized prices, exclusively intended for vulnerable people, that is, those who lack economic and social resources,” said Djimtogbaye Appolin, Mayor of the 9th arrondissement, during the opening of the campaign.

In total, 3,000 tonnes of food have been mobilized for distribution across all 10 districts of N’Djamena, aiming to ease the burden on households facing rising food costs and limited access to basic nutrition.

Appolin also issued a warning against commercial exploitation of the programme: “There is no question of merchants coming to buy these foodstuffs to resell them at high prices. If such a situation is observed, the person concerned will be called to order. These products are intended for family consumption only.”

The initiative strengthens ONASA’s position as the Chadian government’s principal response mechanism for food and nutrition crises, as economic challenges and climate-related issues continue to impact food access across the country.