Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has projected that a staggering 26 million residents across Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory are on the brink of a severe food crisis, anticipated to peak between June and August 2024.
The alarming forecast was part of the Cadre Harmonise report, a comprehensive analysis conducted across 26 states aimed at identifying populations at risk of food and nutrition insecurity.
The report, Parallel Facts learned, was compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with technical support from the FAO and other partners.
The impending crisis follows an unusual lean season marked by a series of shocks, including persistent insecurity situations such as insurgency, banditry, conflicts over natural resources, high inflation impacting the cost of food and agricultural inputs, and severe dry spells in some states immediately after the onset of rains.
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Dominique Kouacou, the FAO Country Representative, unveiled the report and lauded the government’s growing commitment to empowering communities and bolstering their resilience to ensure self-reliance. He assured the FAO’s continued support to the government and vulnerable communities in achieving these objectives.
Dr Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Security, emphasised that the results of the Cadre Harmonise analysis come at a time when the government is making concerted efforts to rejuvenate the nation’s economy.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering resolve to lead and support the CH process in Nigeria.
This dire prediction underscores the urgent need for immediate action to mitigate the looming crisis and ensure food security for the affected populations, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and insecurity.