By Lubem Gena
Abuja
As conflict and instability continue, the food security situation in Nigeria and the Lake Chad basin are drastically deteriorating, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned.
In a press statement signed by Kim-Jenna Jurriaans, the head of FAO Media Relations called for swift and decisive action from the international community to protect the livelihoods of millions of families dependent on farming, livestock and fishing for their food and livelihoods.
“Some 7.1 million people are now severely food insecure across the four countries. Among them are 515 000 children who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition – a condition which, if untreated, can lead to permanent damage to a child’s development and even death.
“With the next planting season starting in May, and with scarcity of animal fodder and water points during the lean season, it is crucial that crop seeds, tools and livestock support reach families urgently to limit the scope of the deepening crisis that now involves four countries: Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria”, FAO stressed.
According to the release, in the worst-affected areas, famine continues to loom and millions would remain trapped in cycles of severe hunger if nothing is done to enable farmers to start cropping now.
“Our collective efforts cannot be limited to merely avoiding massive famine – they need to allow people to return to a dignified life. And supporting agriculture is the key to both.
“Besides reducing hunger and boosting nutrition, investing in farmers also provides much needed job opportunities that reduce migration and limit the potential for radicalisation of unemployed youths.
“Violence related to the armed group Boko Haram in north-eastern Nigeria has spilled over to parts of neighboring countries in the lake Chad basin – specifically, Cameroon’s far north, western Chad and south-eastern Niger – with devastating effects on food security and livelihoods”, it added.
