A recent United Nations report indicates that approximately 33 million people in Nigeria are currently at risk of food insecurity. This figure is projected to rise to 33.1 million by August next year, up from 24.8 million at the end of this year, reflecting a significant increase of nearly one-third.
Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity
Cost of Living Crisis
Nigeria is grappling with a severe cost of living crisis, marked by record-high inflation. Economic reforms have intensified financial strain on citizens, exacerbating food insecurity.
As of September 2024, headline inflation stood at 32.7%, while food inflation reached 37.77%. Prices for essential staples like rice, maize, grains, beans, and oils have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic food items.
Rising Insecurity
Increased insecurity across Nigeria has led to significant food supply shortages. Conflicts between farmers and herders have forced many farmers to abandon their land, resulting in decreased agricultural output. Additionally, rural-to-urban migration has placed further pressure on the nation’s food resources.
Climate Change
Climate change has also negatively impacted food availability. Unpredictable weather patterns have disrupted planting and harvesting cycles, leading to reduced crop yields. In October, flooding in northern Nigeria devastated about 1.6 million hectares of crops, particularly affecting maize, sorghum, and rice production and causing substantial food shortages.
Economic Reforms
Ongoing economic reforms have weakened the purchasing power of citizens. while these reforms aim for long-term improvement, they have short-term consequences that heavily impact everyday life. The weak naira, high transportation costs, and rising fuel prices have forced businesses to increase prices rapidly, further fueling inflation.
According to Chi Lael, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme in Nigeria, “”economic decisions to strengthen the country in the long term, in the short term have felt like a direct attack on people’s wallets, hitting hardest every time they try to buy food.”
Conditional Cash Transfer Program’s Shortcomings
To mitigate these effects, the government launched a Conditional Cash Transfer Program aimed at supporting vulnerable families.
Finance Minister Wale Edun reported that 5 million households have received cash handouts of 25,000 naira ($15.45). However, many citizens are skeptical of the program due to delays in disbursements and the inadequate coverage of beneficiaries. Inflation has also rendered these cash transfers insufficient to address the challenges faced by recipients, diminishing their intended impact.
The Way Forward
The UN report highlights the escalating challenges that Nigerians face in affording basic necessities, particularly food. With around 129 million people living in poverty, urgent action is needed.
The government must address security issues to enhance food production and provide support to farmers. Additionally, there is a critical need to revamp social investment programs and reassess economic policies to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
