Nigeria’s food crisis: A wake-up call for urgent action

As the world commemorates World Food Day, a global initiative aimed at heightening awareness regarding food security and eradicating hunger, Nigeria finds itself grappling with the harsh reality of limited access to nourishment.

This dire situation not only imperils the nation’s economy and social stability but also poses a substantial threat to the overall well-being of its populace.

According to the World Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food Day, an annual event commemorating FAO’s anniversary and among the UN’s most celebrated days, mobilises global action for agrifood system transformation, with its 2023 theme, “Water is life, water is food.”

Experts and stakeholders are attributing blame to climate change as one of the pivotal factors exacerbating Nigeria’s food crisis.

The ramifications of climate change on food production have been experienced on a global scale, yet Nigeria’s predicament has been further aggravated by years of negligence in the agricultural sector and an excessive dependence on imported food commodities.

Years of neglect in the agricultural sector have left Nigeria vulnerable to food shortages. The country’s overreliance on imported food items has further exacerbated the crisis. The recent foreign exchange crisis, which saw the Naira exchange rate soar to unprecedented levels, has only worsened the situation.

As the food crisis deepens, the standard of living for Nigerians has plummeted, pushing many to contemplate migrating in search of better opportunities. This desperation has given rise to a phenomenon known as the “japa syndrome,” reflecting the feelings of those who believe their government is unaware of their plight.

A joint report by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) warned that over 24.8 million Nigerians would face acute food insecurity between June and August.

Unfortunately, this projection has been surpassed, particularly in the aftermath of policies such as the fuel subsidy removal, which contributed to a headline inflation rate of 25.80 percent in August.

Nigeria’s food crisis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and intervention. Climate change, neglected agriculture, and economic challenges have all played a role in exacerbating the situation.

In the wake of policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, Nigeria’s inflation rate has soared, surpassing previous projections.

The headline inflation rate of 25.80 percent in August has left the nation grappling with a severe food crisis.

According to a World Bank report released in June, an estimated 64 million Nigerians are now at risk of facing this emergency due to the combined impact of rising inflation, insecurity, and climate change.

The situation is alarming, with Nigeria and several other countries facing the prospect of widespread food shortages. A staggering 107.5 million people are now on the brink of hunger, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

The Global Hunger Index, which ranks countries based on hunger severity, placed Nigeria at a dismal 103 out of 121 nations, categorizing it as “serious.” This represents a significant decline from previous years, indicating a worsening hunger crisis.

The consequences of this dire situation are palpable on the ground, as ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of the crisis. Toluwalope Daramola, a farmer and founder of Menitos Farm Depot in Lagos, expressed profound grief over the state of affairs.

Low-income earners and vulnerable individuals are now unable to afford basic food items, as prices have skyrocketed by over 50 percent in just three months.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) corroborates these accounts with its recent Food Price Watch report, which highlights substantial increases in the prices of essential food items such as rice, beef, tomatoes, beans, garri, and yam.

The hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians is undeniable, as the cost of basic necessities continues to soar.The urgency of addressing this crisis cannot be overstated. Immediate action is needed to alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are on the brink of starvation.

The government, in collaboration with international organizations and humanitarian agencies, must devise comprehensive strategies to tackle the root causes of this crisis. Efforts should focus on stabilizing inflation, enhancing food security, and implementing climate change adaptation measures.

Nigeria’s dire hunger crisis demands the attention and concerted efforts of both national and global stakeholders. Failure to act swiftly and decisively risks further exacerbating the suffering of millions and pushing the nation to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

The time to act is now, as the fate of millions hangs in the balance.

The Lagos Commissioner of Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, attributes the food security challenges to unstable exchange rates, climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and violent conflicts.

These factors have severely disrupted global food supply chains, necessitating a reimagining of sustainable food systems.

CEO of Green Sahara Farms, Suleiman Dikwa, calls for a holistic reevaluation of agricultural and economic policies to ensure food security. He emphasises the need to empower local communities and small-scale farmers to create resilient local food systems.

Amidst the echoes of the 78th United Nations General Assembly, Nigeria’s plea for help resonates far beyond its borders. Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the esteemed President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), passionately emphasises the dire need to construct resilient food systems that can withstand the relentless blows of climate change and safeguard the nation’s food security.

Tackling this crisis demands a multifaceted approach, one that encompasses not only the pressing issue of climate change but also the promotion of intra-Africa trade and the implementation of long-term solutions.

However, these endeavours must not stand alone; they must be accompanied by unwavering government support for farmers, the establishment of robust storage facilities, and the provision of modern tools to empower those on the frontlines of food production.

As the world commemorates World Food Day, the urgency of Nigeria’s plea for assistance in the face of this escalating food crisis becomes increasingly poignant.

The lives of millions hang precariously in the balance, demanding swift and effective intervention that cannot be overstated. It is a call that reverberates across nations, reminding us of our shared responsibility to act with compassion and resolve in the face of adversity.

As the nation observes World Food Day, it is crucial for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and other stakeholders to prioritise the transformation of the agrifood system and take swift action to prevent the crisis from deteriorating further. Only through collective efforts can Nigeria overcome this battle against hunger and desperation, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for its people.