* Amid fears of 24.8m Nigerians at risk of starvation
To address the rising issue of hunger in African countries, the United States of America has released nearly $150 million in aid to several nations on the continent.
Among the countries set to receive assistance is Nigeria, which has seen a sharp increase in food insecurity over the past year, amid warning by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) that nearly 25 million Nigerians are the risk of starvation.
Announcing the aid package, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, said $114 million would go intro life-saving humanitarian assistance for populations in West and Central Africa and the Sahel.
While nearly $36 million through the State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) supports refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, and people affected by conflict.
“Through this funding, USAID partners will continue to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance – including food, water, shelter, emergency healthcare, sanitation and hygiene, and critical nutrition services – to the most vulnerable people across the Sahel and West and Central Africa,” he said.
This newly announced assistance is critical when rapid climate changes – including drought and seasonal flooding – result in widespread humanitarian need.
The United Nations estimates that up to 45 million people could face food shortages during the upcoming lean season in West Africa, between planting and harvest from May to August when food typically runs out across agricultural communities.
“The United States remains committed to helping the people of West and Central Africa during this time of need, with the U.S. government contributing more than $233 million in humanitarian assistance to date in fiscal year 2023,” USAID statement added.
Meanwhile, inflation, fuel and Naira scarcity might push 24.8 million Nigerians into hunger between June and August, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has warned.
The Acute Food and Nutrition Insecurity Analysis, also known as Cadre Harmonise Fiche, carried out by the United Nations (UN) agency, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other partners, noted that 18,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would be affected.
The report submitted that some 17.7 million people, including 14,000 IDPs in 26 states and FCT currently in food crisis, may have their situation worsened by May.
It projected that Adamawa State would have 5.2 million persons experiencing food insecurity during the period, out of which one million people, would be worse off.
In Borno State, 6.9 million persons are to face similar crisis, from which 1.9 million people would be in catastrophe. But in Yobe State, 4.8 million people are to be food insecure, with 1.2 million persons to be in direr conditions.
The report noted that food consumption level has remained inadequate. Other key drivers include prolonged petrol scarcity and associated hike in pump price.
FAO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Fred Kafeero, during presentation of the CH result, yesterday, in Abuja, expressed anxiety over increased vulnerability during the lean season.
According to him, Nigeria needs to re-commit and use available resources to mitigate deterioration of food security. Consequently, FAO said it has continued to support government in implementation of CH processes through funding and technical support.
Permanent Secretary (PS), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, assured partners of government’s commitment to honour outcome and recommendations for improved service delivery.
Represented by Director, Department of Planning and Policy Coordination, Ibrahim Tanimu, the PS charged participants to contribute positively to national development.