Nigeria Grapples with Severe Food Insecurity Crisis

households, food, secure, new, reportNigeria is facing a dire food security crisis, with a recent report revealing that only 21% of households in the country are considered food secure. The alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for government action and collaborative efforts to address the root causes of the problem.

The food security crisis in Nigeria has far-reaching implications for regional stability and global food systems, as the country is a significant player in African food production and trade. If left unaddressed, the crisis could lead to increased migration, conflict, and economic instability, affecting not only Nigeria but also neighboring countries and the global community.

According to the report, 59% of Nigerian households, food experience moderate food insecurity, while an additional 20% face severe food shortages. The Food and Agriculture Organization projects that the situation will worsen between June and August 2024, potentially increasing the number of vulnerable populations to 31.8 million people, or 15.9% of the population.

The crisis is exacerbated by rising, inflation, rate, worsen, level, hunger which have adversely affected the Consumer Price Index and exerted pressure on both food and non-food basic items. Staple prices have risen above 185% on average compared to the same period in 2023 and a 5-year average. Rep. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, warned that the situation could lead to an increase in lawlessness, criminality, and looting as coping strategies.

Insecurity in various regions of the country has prevented farmers from working on their farms, further contributing to the food, security, crisis. The Primate of The African Church, His Eminence Julius Osayande Abbe, emphasized the need for the government to address this issue, stating, "Nigeria is good; we have good and fertile land, and good climatic conditions. Our people are not lazy, if the necessary support is given to the farmers and the issue of insecurity is addressed, food crisis will be a thing of the past in the country."

The government has announced various palliative measures, including temporary cash payments to poor households and the distribution of grains to people in rural communities. However, these measures have done little to ease the economic shock. Rep. Okafor called for the creation of a Nutrition and Food Security Committee by State Houses of Assembly to domesticate laws geared at promoting food, security and ending hunger in the country.

The crisis has pushed many Nigerians, including university students, to adopt extreme austerity measures to cope with the rising cost of living. Students like Ajadi and Olaomo have been forced to make significant lifestyle changes, such as eating only once a day, trekking to classes, and cooking their own meals instead of relying on online food delivery services or fast food restaurants.

The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the national average cost, healthy in Nigeria rose to N982 in March 2024, a 4.7% increase from the previous month. This cost surpasses both general and food inflation rates, highlighting the growing challenge of accessing affordable, nutritious food. Significant regional disparities exist, with the South West region having the highest zonal average cost of a healthy diet at N1,198 per day, while the North West region had the lowest at N787.

Why this matters: The United States Department of Agriculture projects a slight decrease in the production of essential crops like rice, millet, cassava, maize, and soybeans in Nigeria for 2024. Farmers face numerous challenges, including insecurity, low levels of mechanization, soaring costs of inputs, flooding, heightened labor expenses, and conflicts in various regions. Arc Kabir Ibrahim, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, called on President Bola Tinubu to implement sustainable subsidies for all agricultural inputs and bolstersecurity, measuresto ensure farmers can safely access their lands.

The Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN), a coalition of various organic and agroecology organizations, is promoting sustainable farming methods among farmers and the wider Nigerian community. Mrs. Joyce Brown, Director of Programs at the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, emphasized the importance of these practices, stating, "ORAIN advocates for agroecology to safeguard the environment, achieve food security, and protect Mother Earth." organic, agroecology, farming, practices Professor Olugbenga Adeoluwa, Professor of Organic Agriculture at the University of Ibadan, added, "We need sustainable policies to enhance organic and agroecology farming in Nigeria."

Nigeria's food security crisis demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from the government, stakeholders,

Key Takeaways

• Only 21% of Nigerian households are food secure, with 59% experiencing moderate food insecurity.
• Rising inflation and insecurity worsen food shortages, affecting 15.9% of the population.
• Government palliative measures have been ineffective, and a Nutrition and Food Security Committee is needed.
• The cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria rose to N982 in March 2024, with significant regional disparities.
• Sustainable farming methods and subsidies are crucial to address the food security crisis in Nigeria.