By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has commenced a Cadre Harmonisé (CH) analysis aimed at addressing the growing food and nutrition insecurity in Nigeria.
The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with key international and national partners, is set to cover 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Cadre Harmonisé, a critical analytical tool for assessing food security, will provide a comprehensive evaluation of both current and projected situations across the country.
This includes an in-depth examination of crop yields, market prices, and other quantitative data, coupled with qualitative insights from affected communities.
Mr. Bulama Dauda, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the ministry, underscored the importance of the analysis, explaining that it will focus on specific Local Government Areas to develop targeted response plans. “The CH results are vital for decision-making, guiding interventions and budgeting, not only in Nigeria but across West Africa and the Sahel,” he said.
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The exercise is supported by a range of organizations, including the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), UNICEF, and the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). These partners will contribute technical expertise to ensure a robust analysis of the food insecurity landscape.
Dr. Ibrahim Bayaso, Adamawa State CH Coordinator, emphasized the importance of prioritizing areas that require immediate assistance.
“The CH process helps governments and humanitarian organizations pinpoint the regions most in need of food and nutrition interventions,” he said, noting that the findings will classify regions into phases ranging from minimal to famine conditions.
The rising cost of living, exacerbated by inflation, has worsened food insecurity in Nigeria. According to recent projections, about 32 million Nigerians are expected to face severe food shortages by mid-2024, with the overall food insecurity crisis affecting over 50 million people across West and Central Africa.
Jasper Mwesigwa, FAO Food Security Analyst, highlighted the critical role of the CH in providing reliable data for targeting vulnerable populations, particularly in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges. “This analysis is essential for coordinating humanitarian efforts and ensuring that the most at-risk communities receive timely support,” he stated.
The data generated from the ongoing CH analysis will serve as the foundation for crafting immediate and long-term strategies aimed at mitigating the food security crisis and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
