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By Billy Graham Abel, Yola
The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has declared that about three million children under the age of five in Nigeria are stunted as a result of undernutrition.
FAO says that unsustainable agricultural practices, recent flooding, and insecurity have exacerbated the food security situation in the country and that more than 4.5 million people are already food insecure in Nigeria. It says that there is an immediate need for support for local farmers to improve their yield, for a change in agrifood practices, and that Nigeria has enough local plants and animals that, if harnessed, would improve diets and the agrifood ecosystem in the country.
This was made known by the Head of Office FAO Nigeria, Northeast Sub Office, Daouda Doumbia while marking World Food Day in collaboration with the Adamawa state government in Yola, Adamawa state.
Doumbia, who was represented by Abdullahi Usman, FAO Field Office Coordinator for Adamawa, emphasized that the region faces severe food insecurity challenges due to climate change.
Doumbia said, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” calls for increased access to food for everyone as a basic human right by improving the agrifood ecosystem.
Explaining the grim situation of food insecurity in northeast Nigeria, Doumbia explained that the recent flooding, especially in the northeast, has affected about 104,000 hectares of rainfed cropland and 6,570 hectares of irrigated cropland, leading to an estimated severe food loss of 166,731 metric tonnes, a loss that FAO says could narrow access to food for six months to some 1.6 million.
FAO revealed that recent data dated between the 16th to 30th of September, 2024, shows that Borno and Adamawa are among the worst-flood-hit states in the country and that recent flooding has affected 3.82 million hectares of land, and also affected 1.39 million hectares of cropland.
Daouda Doumbia said, “It is alarming that approximately 3 million children under five in Nigeria are stunted, reflecting the severity of undernutrition. Moreover, malnutrition exists in various forms, including micronutrient deficiencies and rising obesity rates among adults, indicating that our food systems are failing to provide the necessary nutrients for a healthy life.
“Unsustainable agricultural practices threaten our biodiversity, which is vital for ensuring food security. In Nigeria, we have a wealth of local plant and animal species that can enhance our diets and improve the resilience of our agrifood systems.
“The recent floods have further exacerbated the food insecurity situation. In the BAY states, over 104,000 hectares of rainfed cropland and 6,570 hectares of irrigated cropland have been flooded, leading to an estimated food loss of 166,731 metric tonnes—equivalent to feeding 1.6 million people for six months.
“Before these floods, at least 4.8 million people were already acutely food insecure.”
FAO further explained it does not only see the big picture but that it is working out a plan to support farmers and boost agriculture. It says, “Food is a basic human right, like air and water.
“This right extends to every individual, equally. Let us recognise the hardship and empathise with vulnerable populations across the world who face unique challenges in accessing adequate and nutritious food.
“In Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast, we are confronted with profound issues of food insecurity.
We emphasise the plural “foods” because diversity is essential for proper nutrition. Our agrifood systems must be designed to ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of a variety of foods that meet the nutritional needs of our communities.
“Smallholders and family farmers are the backbone of food production in Nigeria. They play a critical role not only in providing food but also in preserving our rich traditional food culture. Supporting these farmers is crucial to building resilience in our food systems.
“Recent data reveals that from 16 to 30 September, approximately 3.82 million hectares of land experienced flooding, affecting 1.39 million hectares of cropland. “
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It adds that “Among the hardest-hit states are Borno, where 143,395 hectares of cropland were flooded, and Adamawa, where 58,088 hectares of farmland were affected. The flooding has severely impacted farmers during what was expected to be a bumper harvest season.
“The challenges we face in the Northeast are compounded by ongoing conflicts and the adverse impacts of climate change.
“Recent flooding caused by changing precipitation patterns has severely affected our farmers. The potential production losses for maize alone from the recent floods are estimated at 486,000 tons, enough to feed about 4 million people for a year.”
It says in response to these challenges, FAO is actively working to support affected communities, and it will soon commence the distribution of fertilisers and safe Access to Fuel-efficient cooking facilities.
“As part of FAO’s continued efforts to enhance food security and build the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods in conflict-affected areas of Northeast Nigeria, FAO plans to support 49,000 households—representing approximately 343,000 individuals—across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa (BAY) states with improved seeds, NPK fertiliser, and water pumps during the upcoming 2024-2025 dry season. This initiative will help restore livelihoods and increase food production in these vulnerable communities.
“To combat these challenges, we must adopt a holistic approach. The government, private sector, civil society, and local communities must collaborate to create an enabling environment where everyone can exercise their right to food.
“Our youth are crucial stakeholders in this effort. Engaging young people in agricultural innovation and sustainable practices is essential for fostering a food-secure future. We must empower them to become advocates for healthy diets and sustainable agrifood systems.
Women are crucial in the agriculture sector,” FAO stresses.
The UN body says, “Women need a space at the table to be part of the dialogue in decision-making. FAO’s livestock restocking across the BAY states primarily targets women-headed households to advance food availability in communities.
“Advancements in technology, such as digital agriculture and biotechnology, present exciting opportunities for improving productivity and ensuring food safety. By leveraging these tools, we can enhance the efficiency and resilience of our food systems in the Northeast.
“I urge all stakeholders here today to renew their commitment to transforming our agri-food systems. Let us work together to ensure that every person in our region has access to a healthy and nutritious diet, thereby achieving the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“As we commemorate World Food Day, let us remember that the right to food is not just about availability; it is about dignity, equity, and justice. In this same breath, I want to especially commend the unwavering efforts of the Adamawa State Government for their strong commitment to collaborating with the FAO to promote food security. I am certain that through our partnership we can build a future where no one goes hungry and where healthy food is accessible to all.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Adamawa state Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who was represented by the state commissioner for Agriculture, David Jatau, said that globally, about 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, largely due to smallholder farmers’ limited access to mechanized farming tools.
Fintiri called on all stakeholders to develop strategies to enhance crop yields, especially in climate change, by introducing drought-tolerant and high-yielding crop varieties.
Speaking on the havoc caused by flooding in the state, Bello Diram, the Adamawa state Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Human Services, said efforts by Governor Umaru Fintiri’s administration to support farmers in Adamawa have been crucial.
“The state government has launched initiatives to provide access to farming equipment, high-quality seeds, and fertilisers, empowering local farmers to boost food production despite the challenges caused by flooding.
“Food insecurity and social disorder have affected over seven million people across Africa.
“In Northeast Nigeria, over 2.5 million people have been displaced, with 8.7 million people affected by food insecurity.
“In Adamawa, flooding has impacted more than 50,000 people, causing significant damage to farmlands and infrastructure, which requires urgent and effective intervention,” he said.
