Food Crisis Warning: 26.5 Million Nigerians at Risk as Cadre Harmonise Report Reveals Impending Crisis

A recent report by Cadre Harmonise (CH) has raised alarm about an impending food crisis in Nigeria, with approximately 26.5 million people in 26 states expected to face severe food shortages between June and August 2024.

The findings were revealed during the November analysis result presentation conducted by the Kwara Ministry of Agriculture and Human Development in collaboration with CH and other partners.

The report particularly highlighted the vulnerable situation of internally displaced persons in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Borno States.

Speaking at the meeting, Isiaq Oloruko-oba, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasized the significance of such reports in shedding light on the critical challenges surrounding food and nutrition security in the country.

Oloruko-oba stressed the need for proactive planning by decision-makers to address the looming danger and provide sustainable solutions.

The meeting provided a platform for all critical stakeholders to engage in discussions and deliberate on the best way forward.

Oloruko-oba reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to empower relevant stakeholders, especially farmers, and ensure they receive necessary aid to guarantee food security in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Olusoji Oyawoye, the State CH Coordinator, provided insights into Kwara’s agricultural landscape.

He noted that agriculture forms the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the population, with major crops including rice, cassava, yam, soybeans, maize, beniseed, guinea corn, groundnut, and cowpea.

Oyawoye acknowledged the challenges contributing to food insecurity, such as disruptions in agricultural activities due to higher costs of inputs, insecurity, exchange rate devaluation, and increases in electricity tariffs and fuel costs.

The presenter highlighted that Kwara has an abundance of food but expressed concern about the exportation of these resources, emphasizing the importance of retaining agricultural produce within the state for food security.

Oyawoye urged farmers to shift focus towards food crops rather than solely depending on cash crops and advocated for increased processing of large yields to ensure sustainability.

Dr Habeeb Lawal, the State Coordinator of the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ARIN) project, underscored the link between nutrition and food security.

He called for consistent action to safeguard food security in the country, particularly emphasising the vulnerability of children, the elderly, pregnant women, and maternal mothers.

Dr Lawal highlighted the ongoing issue of stunted growth among children in Nigeria.

Stakeholders at the meeting recommended the promotion of dry season farming and irrigation throughout the state to boost the availability of food crops year-round.

Additionally, they suggested encouraging food crop markets in the state to facilitate easier access to diverse crops from various cultivation areas.

Source: Peoples Gazette