Rising Food Insecurity
A recent United Nations report highlights a looming food insecurity crisis that could significantly impact Nigeria and 17 other countries. The report identifies these areas as hunger hotspots, where food scarcity is expected to worsen in both magnitude and severity.
Immediate Needs for Assistance
The UN report on food insecurity in Nigeria and beyond, emphasises the urgent need for assistance to prevent famine in Gaza and Sudan, while also addressing escalating hunger crises in Haiti, Mali, and South Sudan. It warns that the effects of El Niño, coupled with the risk of La Niña, could lead to extreme climate events, further disrupting lives and livelihoods.
Increasing Hunger Hotspots
Since the last Hunger Hotspots report in October 2023, several new regions, including Nigeria, have been added to the list. The Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mozambique, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, and Zambia now join the ranks of countries where acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further.
Compounding Factors
The report points out that many hotspots are grappling with multiple, overlapping crises. Conflict, climate extremes, and economic shocks are persistently pushing vulnerable households into severe food shortages. These compounded factors make it increasingly difficult for communities to recover and sustain their food security.
Call for Proactive Measures
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stressed the need for proactive measures, stating, “We must shift from responding to crises after they occur to more anticipatory approaches. Prevention and resilience building can help vulnerable communities cope with upcoming shocks.” He highlighted that acting ahead of crises can save lives and reduce food shortages at a lower cost than delayed humanitarian responses.
Urgent Action Required
Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director, echoed these sentiments, noting that once famine is declared, it is often too late to save many lives. She recalled the devastating famine in Somalia in 2011, where many had already died before it was officially recognised. McCain urged for immediate action to prevent similar outcomes in current hotspots.
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