The World Bank has released a latest report on food security projecting that several states in the North-west and North-east regions are at risk of facing food crises in 2024. According to the report, insecurity and armed conflicts are contributing to the deteriorating living standards in the region, with Borno, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Yobe, Sokoto, and Zamfara states being identified as the most vulnerable.
Beyond Nigeria, the report also highlights other countries in the West African region, including Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger, where varying degrees of food insecurity are expected.
The report predicts that Nigeria will experience crisis food security levels, particularly in the far north of Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states, due to persistent insecurity and armed conflict, leading to worsening livelihoods. It is also anticipated that certain areas in Northeastern states will face emergency food security levels as a result of limited household food stock and restricted access to markets and humanitarian aid.
Additionally, the report points out that a significant percentage of low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and high-income countries are experiencing food inflation levels surpassing 5%, with the food price inflation outpacing overall inflation in the majority of countries.
The precarious situation in many Nigerian states is emphasized, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting food inflation at over 33%. The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has also warned about the risk of hunger for approximately 5 million Nigerians in 2024, while the United Nations has highlighted that a large proportion of Africans have been unable to afford a nutritious diet since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the declaration of an emergency on food insecurity and its inclusion in the National Security Council, little impact has been seen as food prices continue to rise. Recently, a protest erupted in Niger State over escalating food prices and hunger across the region.