The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has issued a stark warning about the escalating food security crisis in Nigeria, driven by severe floods affecting 29 states. The floods have displaced 200,000 people, impacted over 2.5 million, and destroyed vast tracts of farmland, compounding the food insecurity already faced by 31.8 million Nigerians.
As of September 10, 2024, approximately 1.3 million hectares of land, including 558,000 hectares of cropland, have been submerged. This devastating loss threatens the livelihoods of farmers and food supplies across the nation. With rivers swelling and dams nearing capacity, communities in Northern Nigeria remain particularly vulnerable.
Rising Costs and Inflation
Floods have also contributed to rising food and headline inflation in Nigeria. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the average cost of a healthy diet (CoHD) rose to N1,371 in October, marking a 1.9% month-on-month increase from September. Year-to-date, the CoHD has surged by 59.8% from N858 in January.
- Southwest Zone: Recorded the highest average CoHD at N1,656 per day.
- Northwest Zone: Reported the lowest average CoHD at N1,149 per day.
Globally, the FAO’s Food Price Index increased by 0.5% in November, driven by higher prices for dairy products and vegetable oils. This global trend further compounds Nigeria’s inflationary pressures.
Urgent Need for Intervention
The 2024 Nigerian Food Security Index by the Nigeria Food Security Project (NFSP) underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. Tackling food insecurity will require:
- Climate-resilient practices: To mitigate the effects of flooding and other climate challenges.
- Infrastructure upgrades: To enhance agricultural productivity and supply chains.
- Policy reforms and collaboration: Between public and private sectors in agriculture to implement sustainable solutions.
As Nigeria faces this crisis, policymakers, stakeholders, and international partners must act swiftly to provide immediate relief and implement long-term strategies. Strengthening the nation’s resilience against climate and economic shocks is essential to securing the future of Nigeria’s food systems.
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