Millions of Nigerians face food insecurity — NFSI

The 2024 Nigerian Food Security Index (NFSI) report, released by the Nigeria Food Security Project (NFSP), presents a stark depiction of escalating food security challenges across Nigeria, calling for immediate action from policymakers and stakeholders.

Analyzing data and trends from 2023 to 2024, the report highlights alarming increases in poverty levels across many states, jeopardizing the food security of millions of Nigerians. It identifies a surge in the number of people living below the poverty line, a trend driven by persistent inflation, economic instability, and a sluggish recovery from global economic downturns.

This rise in poverty directly affects access to nutritious and sufficient food, further deepening the food insecurity crisis. Even Lagos, often regarded as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, has experienced a dramatic increase in its indigent population, underscoring the widespread nature of the crisis.

Adebayo Adeleke, founder and pioneer of the Nigeria Food Security Project, emphasized the importance of addressing the nuanced issues outlined in the report.

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According to Adeleke, Nigeria’s food security has faced significant challenges for years. The country’s food systems, spanning informal economies such as farms and markets and underdeveloped logistical networks, require a localized approach to effectively address their complexities and devise sustainable solutions.

He stated, “Food security, like any form of security, is inherently local. That’s why a tailored food security index for Nigeria is crucial to evaluate the affordability, availability, sustainability, and quality of food in the country.”

“Nigeria is grappling with multiple, intertwined challenges impacting its food security. A rapidly growing population is straining agricultural production and supply chains, while the troubling rise in poverty is making food unaffordable for many,” Adeleke said.

“Additionally, a severe shortage of state-owned storage facilities hinders efficient food reserve management, making stored food susceptible to spoilage. Significant increases in food prices disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, further limiting their access to food.

“The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) offers a valuable global perspective but doesn’t fully address the unique circumstances of a nation as diverse as Nigeria. The Nigerian Food Security Index (NFSI) is specifically designed to account for these socio-economic and agricultural conditions.

“The NFSI analyzes key factors such as population growth, income distribution by state, poverty levels, agricultural budgets, food price trends, and storage infrastructure. This detailed assessment helps policymakers, development agencies, and stakeholders make informed decisions about resource allocation, agricultural investments, and targeted interventions.

“It identifies the most vulnerable populations and regions, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed. Furthermore, the NFSI tracks progress over time, enabling evaluations of policy effectiveness and pinpointing areas that require further attention.

“In essence, the NFSI serves as a roadmap for creating a more resilient and food-secure future for Nigeria, addressing the country’s specific challenges while guiding the development of effective and sustainable solutions.

“This report is also an urgent call to action, stressing the need for swift and comprehensive interventions to reverse these negative trends and secure a food-secure future for all Nigerians.”

Adeleke further elaborated that the NFSI offers specific recommendations to address these challenges, including increased investment in agricultural infrastructure and targeted poverty alleviation programs.

“A full examination of the report’s findings and recommendations is essential for understanding the complexity of the issues and the measures required to improve food security for all Nigerians,” he added.