Nigeria is facing a worsening food crisis, with millions of people begging for food. The government has been urged to act quickly to address the situation.
Climate change has affected global food production, but the neglect of the agricultural sector and a heavy reliance on imported food have made Nigeria’s situation worse. The ongoing foreign exchange crisis has also contributed to the problem, with the naira trading at a low rate against the dollar.
The food crisis has led to a significant drop in the living standards of Nigerians. Many people have migrated in search of better opportunities, while those who remain in the country are struggling to put food on the table.
A joint report by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) estimated that over 24.8 million Nigerians were at risk of acute food insecurity between June and August. This projection appears to have been exceeded, especially in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal and other policies of the Tinubu administration, which pushed the country’s headline inflation to 25.80 percent in August.
A World Bank report on food security issued in June stated that about 64 million Nigerians were at risk of an emergency food crisis due to rising inflation, insecurity, climate change, and other factors.
In 2021, Nigeria was ranked 103 out of 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index, signifying the nation’s serious hunger issue.
A survey by The Guardian showed that the prices of some food items have increased by over 50 percent in the last three months, making them unaffordable for many.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a continuous rise in food prices in August. The prices of rice, beef, tomatoes, beans, garri, yam, and other food items have increased significantly.
The food crisis is affecting Nigerians, particularly low-income earners and the vulnerable, who can no longer afford the high cost of food items and other agricultural commodities. The situation has reached a point where obtaining meals has become a challenge, and the general cost of living has soared.
Stakeholders have called for a fresh approach to ensure food security in the country, emphasizing the importance of building resilient food systems capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change. They have also highlighted the need for more intra-Africa trade in food and urged the government to provide support for farmers, including access to funding, hybrid seeds suitable for the local climate, storage facilities, and modern tools. Additionally, they’ve called for the establishment of farm settlements, land allocation to farmers without titles, processing facilities, strengthening of the commodities exchange board, and improved irrigation systems.
In conclusion, the food crisis in Nigeria is a complex problem with multiple causes. Addressing the crisis will require a comprehensive and coordinated effort from the government, stakeholders, and the international community.tunesharemore_vert