In Chad, basic survival now demands 2,000 francs daily for many households, translating to just 375 francs per person when divided among five to six family members. What does this mean at the dinner table? Protein-rich foods vanish first, followed by vegetables. Families resort to whatever edible options remain, prioritizing mere survival over nutritional balance. Children grow up with insufficient nourishment, and the population adapts psychologically to endure this harsh reality.
«The average Chadian household is struggling to put food on the table,» explains sociologist Remadji Ngaba. «Resilience has become a necessity, not a choice. Without this psychological adaptation, the situation would be unbearable.» The burden of this crisis falls heaviest on women, who manage household budgets and endure the brunt of rising costs. When prices spike, they return home burdened with distress, while fathers witness the silent struggles of their families.
Markets have transformed into zones of daily hardship. Despite occasional government interventions, price controls prove ineffective. «Any temporary relief is followed by a return to the same crisis,» Ngaba notes. «Authorities must implement lasting solutions, not just short-term fixes.»
Rural and urban struggles tied to land and water
Chad boasts 33 million hectares of arable land across 1.284 million km², yet hunger persists nationwide. Urban areas face the most severe price hikes, but rural communities suffer differently. Farmers and herders face relentless challenges: crop destruction by livestock, lack of legal recourse, and escalating threats. Many abandon agricultural life, though Ngaba warns, «We cannot all live in N’Djamena. The city’s security cannot sustain such pressure.»
Land disputes between farmers and herders cripple local food production, preventing price stabilization in urban markets. «Both groups deserve protection,» Ngaba emphasizes. «Only then can we revive local agriculture and reduce living costs.»
Wages stagnate as costs soar
The minimum wage remains frozen at 60,000 francs CFA since 2011, while living expenses have doubled. In N’Djamena, decent housing now costs 20,000 to 25,000 francs monthly. Rent, utilities, and other charges consume most salaries, leaving little for essentials.
Practical solutions proposed
Ngaba calls for targeted measures: subsidizing agricultural initiatives, optimizing water resource management, and enforcing consistent market price monitoring. «Leaders observe how other nations manage living costs,» he states. «They must act decisively to improve daily life for their people.»
