Food Crisis Warning: 82 Million Nigerians at Risk of Hunger, UN Reports

The United Nations has issued a new warning that 82 million Nigerians, representing about 64% of the country’s population, could face hunger by 2030. The organization has urged the government to address climate change, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity. This warning follows a significant increase in food prices in Nigeria.

The National Bureau of Statistics reports that Nigeria’s food inflation rate reached a record high of 40.66% in May 2024, surpassing the previous month’s rate of 40.53%. This marks the largest year-on-year increase in food prices since records began in 1996. Historically, food inflation in Nigeria has averaged 13.42%, with the lowest point being -17.50% in January 2000.

In 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization predicted that at least 2.6 million people in Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara states, and the FCT would face a food crisis between June and August 2024. A government-led Cadre Harmonisé analysis released in March 2024 revealed that approximately 4.8 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states are experiencing severe food insecurity, the highest level in seven years.

As Nigerian workers marked the 2024 May Day, organized labor expressed concerns over rising food prices and fuel scarcity, warning that these issues threaten workers’ survival. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba also recently cautioned that a hunger riot could break out soon if the Federal Government does not act quickly.

At the launch of CropWatch in Abuja, Taofiq Braimoh, a UN official representing the Resident Humanitarian Coordinator of the Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighted the alarming results of Nigeria’s annual food security survey. He stated that approximately 22 million Nigerians will face food insecurity in 2024, with 80-82 million at risk by 2030. Braimoh emphasized that climate change, unreliable water patterns, pest infestations, and other threats are major challenges for Nigeria’s agriculture.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging technology, such as satellite-based crop monitoring, to provide real-time data on crop conditions. This technology can help farmers and policymakers make informed decisions, optimizing agricultural practices and expediting the achievement of sustainable development goals in food and agriculture.

Tobi Awolope, an agricultural economist from the Centre for Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, attributed Nigeria’s high hunger rate to climate change. Awolope noted that smallholder farmers, who are key to food production, have low adaptive capacity to cope with climate change effects, such as irregular rainfall patterns and lack of irrigation.

Awolope called for government support to help farmers adapt, including subsidies for production inputs and assistance with technology and irrigation. She stressed that research recommendations should inform policy decisions to support farmers and ensure food availability.

Meanwhile, Dr. Adepoju Mathew, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, highlighted the role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing agriculture and food security. He noted that with the world population projected to reach 9.5 billion by 2050, food production must increase by 70% to meet the demand. Space science and technology are crucial for transforming agriculture and enhancing food security, Mathew added.

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, Dr. Yinusu Alidu, the National Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, emphasized that the UN report should be taken seriously as it accurately reflects the current situation in the country.He stated, “The UN’s findings are relevant because they mirror the reality we face. The UN is not making these up; they are collecting data and reflecting the current conditions. They are considering global warming, climate change, insecurity, and other factors. Those of us on the ground see that the UN’s report is becoming a reality. It’s July, and we haven’t had enough rain. Weather experts are predicting a drought with a short rain period, potentially no rain after August. They advise farmers to plant quick-maturing crops, or else they will face stunted growth and poor yields. Conventional farming methods will suffer due to drought.”Alidu urged the government to act on the report to avert a food crisis.He continued, “Preventing a food crisis is the government’s responsibility. They should promote irrigation farming systems, create dams, and channel wastewater for agriculture. We waste a lot of water. The government should focus on off-season farming. Currently, 70% of crops in Nigeria rely on direct rain, with few using irrigation. The government must make farming easier and support irrigation systems. Their current lackadaisical approach to farming is worrying. Perhaps they believe they can buy whatever they need, but what about the average Nigerian? Farmers need to be smart and fast in their farming practices.”**‘UN Report Highlights Government Failures’**Also speaking with our correspondent, Mr. Adeyemi Adejare, President of Integrated Agricultural Services, South-West, described the UN report as indicative of the government’s failures in supporting agriculture and farmers.Adejare noted that Nigeria is already experiencing a food shortage and only aggressive farming can mitigate the crisis. He said, “The only way to counter the UN’s prediction is through aggressive farming and genuine government support. We are already facing food insecurity, so the UN’s report highlights the government’s failure to support agriculture. To avoid the predicted crisis, our farming and food industries must reach sustainable levels, requiring a comprehensive approach. We must modernize farming, storage, and processing systems. Government at all levels must be genuinely committed to promoting agriculture. Empowering farmers, encouraging mechanized farming for the youth, providing soft loans, and subsidizing farming implements for genuine farmers are crucial.”Adejare affirmed the accuracy of the UN report, urging the nation to take proactive measures to end food insecurity.He added, “The UN report is accurate. It will take Nigeria 30 uninterrupted farming and harvesting seasons to achieve food security due to our current shortages. The government has not been fair to farmers. While northern farmers receive some benefits, South-West governors have not been supportive. They have merely paid lip service to promoting agriculture.”