The World Bank has warned about the potential of food crises in seven Nigerian states, citing high levels of insecurity and armed conflict as major drivers.
According to the bank’s recent Food Security report, these factors have greatly reduced living standards in the North-west and North-east regions, thereby putting millions at risk of food insecurity.
The report lists Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Yobe, Sokoto, and Zamfara as the most vulnerable states. These areas are already battling ongoing insurgencies and banditry which further exacerbates food insecurity issues.
The report stated: “It is projected that most areas in West and Central Africa will remain minimally food insecure until May 2024, with some being categorized as Stressed IPC 2. Nigeria (far north of Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara states) will be at crisis food security levels, mostly because of persistent insecurity and armed conflict and deteriorating livelihoods.”
The report stated further that other West African countries like Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger will experience varying degrees of food insecurity.
It stated that areas in Northeastern states like Abadam, Bama, Guzamala, Marte etc would experience emergency food security due to limited household food stock and access to market and humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has announced plans to cultivate 323,000 hectares of farmland for maize, wheat, rice, and cassava during the 2024 dry season.
