The specter of hunger looms large over Nigeria, with the United Nations issuing a stark warning: 82 million Nigerians may face severe food shortages soon. This alarming figure represents nearly two-thirds of the nation’s population, a crisis of unprecedented scale that calls for immediate and decisive action.
Nigeria’s food inflation has soared to a record high, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a staggering 40.66% increase in May 2024. This surge is the most significant year-on-year rise in food prices since records began in 1996, far exceeding the historical average food inflation rate of 13.42%.
The situation is particularly dire in states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, where approximately 4.8 million people are experiencing severe food insecurity, the highest level in seven years. The Cadre Harmonisé analysis, a government-led initiative, revealed these distressing figures in March 2024, painting a grim picture of the nation’s food security landscape.
The Underlying Causes
Climate change, unreliable water patterns, and pest infestations are among the primary culprits exacerbating Nigeria’s food crisis. These factors have severely impacted smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of the nation’s food production.
Organised Labour, representing Nigerian workers, has expressed grave concerns over the rising food prices and fuel scarcity, emphasizing that the current situation threatens the survival of workers. The fear of a hunger riot breaking out is palpable, with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, urging the Federal Government to take swift action.
Technological Interventions and Sustainable Solutions
In response to the crisis, the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Resident Humanitarian Coordinator highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to strengthen Nigeria’s agriculture sector. Satellite-based crop monitoring, for instance, provides real-time data on crop conditions, enabling farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions and optimize agricultural practices.
The use of such technology is crucial for expediting the accomplishment of sustainable development goals in food and agriculture. It represents a beacon of hope in the fight against the multifaceted challenges threatening Nigeria’s food security.
