Food Insecurity Grips 79% Of Nigerian Households – Report Warns Of Impending Crisis

Food Insecurity Grips 79% Of Nigerian Households – Report Warns Of Impending Crisis

A recent report unveiled in Abuja paints a grim reality of food insecurity gripping the majority of Nigerian households. Collaboratively conducted by the Federal government, international partners, and stakeholders in the food sector, the 2021 National Food Consumption and Micronutrients Survey reveals a stark picture, with only 21% of households considered food secure……READ ALSO Customs Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Help To Address Food Insecurity

Dr. Olarinwaju Isiaka, presenting the findings, highlighted alarming statistics: 59% of households are moderately food insecure, while an additional 20% face severe food insecurity. Disturbingly, 41.5% of households reported insufficient funds to purchase food in the week preceding the survey, underscoring acute economic challenges.

The report, focusing on vulnerable groups including women of reproductive age, children aged 0-59 months, and adolescent girls, sheds light on sanitation issues exacerbating food access problems. Approximately 23% of households lack adequate toilet facilities, compounding public health risks associated with food insecurity.

Moreover, disparities in access to clean water further exacerbate the crisis. While 62.9% of households have improved water sources, regional variations persist. Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), expressed concern over declining water supply infrastructure, noting a 10% decrease over a decade.

Highlighting systemic challenges, Dr. Ojo emphasized the fragmented approach to addressing food insecurity, urging holistic reforms across the food production and distribution chain. He stressed the imperative for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure sustainable food security for all Nigerians.

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