By George George Idowu
A recent report from Cadre Harmonisé (CH) has projected that over 31.5 million people, including 83,846 internally displaced persons (IDPs), will experience food crises between June and August 2024.
The analysis, conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with technical partners like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), highlights the severity of the situation across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The report paints an ugly picture for Nigeria, indicates that 24.7 million people, including 14,000 IDPs, are already grappling with food crises between March and May 2024.
Disturbingly, regions like Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe are expected to face significant challenges, with millions of individuals projected to experience food insecurity during the specified period.
Factors contributing to this crisis include escalating food prices triggered by the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent inflation, compounded by the volatile exchange rate between the naira and the dollar.
Additionally, conflicts, fuel scarcity, and currency devaluation exacerbate the situation, pushing more households into crisis levels of food consumption.
The repercussions are dire, with livelihoods threatened and nutritional standards deteriorating, especially among vulnerable populations like children under five in states such as Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.
Nationwide protests against skyrocketing food prices have erupted, reflecting the growing discontent and frustration among Nigerians.
In response, the FAO pledges continued support for the CH process, emphasizing the importance of funding, technical assistance, and capacity building.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government vows to address the challenges of food and nutrition insecurity, acknowledging the urgency of the situation amidst efforts to revitalize the economy.
As the nation grapples with these pressing issues, the outcomes and recommendations from the report underscore the imperative for swift and decisive action to safeguard the well-being of millions facing food insecurity across Nigeria.