Why Nigeria’s Hunger Crisis Is Worsening and What Must Be Done
Millions of Nigerians struggle to access adequate food. A recent analysis by the International Rescue Committee shows 16% will face severe hunger between June and August 2024. Nearly 84 million people live below the poverty line. Rising food inflation and economic volatility drive up staple prices. Transport costs jumped after the fuel subsidy removal. Insecurity in farming regions further limits food supply. Climate change adds droughts, floods, and poor harvests. Local farmers use outdated techniques and suffer post-harvest losses. A bag of rice now sells for around ₦2,500, up from ₦1,000 last year. With minimum wages fixed at ₦30,000, many households struggle to afford basic meals. To address this crisis, Nigeria must boost agricultural productivity with modern inputs and infrastructure. Economic diversification can shield households from oil price swings. Peacebuilding in conflict zones and climate-smart practices would help restore farming. Strengthening social safety nets and collaboration across government and aid agencies is also vital.
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