Hunger is widespread and chronic in Nigeria, and its prevalence is one phenomenon that statistics cannot fully capture; not even the global hunger index does justice to it. Statistics deals with numbers, but hunger deals with humans. Relying on quantitative data alone to assess the state of hunger in Nigeria is the worst mistake anybody could make. Quantitative data and analysis only show patterns and spread of hunger without delving into the individual lived experiences of those affected and its influences on their existence in all ramifications.
Therefore, as bad as the statistics are, they are still child’s play compared to the rich information from qualitative data chronicling the dehumanising lived experience of many poor and hungry Nigerians around us. Combining quantitative and qualitative data paints a horrifying picture of Nigeria’s food crisis and hunger.
According to UNICEF, about 25 million Nigerians are at risk of facing hunger between June and August 2023. Given the current food inflation sweeping the country, we fear even more people may join the ranks. Many families today cannot afford essential food items, even among the middle class. Careful observation during events and functions will reveal how “Item 7 “has gained new prominence among participants. People scramble for food; some even take food home for their families. Before now, low-income families manage to eat twice daily, but now that is a luxury they cannot afford.
Family heads and breadwinners are bitterly complaining that their ‘take home’ barely gets home much more to cover the cost of food and other necessities of life. Hunger has a new face, and you can see it in the faces of vulnerable adults and children who look malnourished or are on the brink of starvation. Children are the most vulnerable to food insecurity. Approximately six million food-insecure Nigerians today are children “under 5” living in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states, and there is a severe risk of mortality among children attributed to acute malnutrition, posits UNICEF.
There is no gainsaying the devastating effect of hunger in Nigeria. Some parts of the country are affected the most, primarily due to conflicts, insecurity and climate change that have either stopped agricultural activities or have led to massive movement of people from farming and grazing zones to IDP centres dotted across the country. Other parts of the country not affected by this are feeling the pinch of hunger due to the recent high cost of energy and its impact on transportation that led to an astronomical rise in the price of food items, and effectively and gradually putting food (not even quality, nutritious food) out of the reach of many Nigerians.
A few structural issues exacerbating hunger in Nigeria include poverty – a significant portion of the Nigerian population lives below the poverty line, which limits their access to necessities, including food; lack of economic opportunities for many people – lack of job opportunities or the availability of low-paying jobs can result in inadequate income to afford enough food; inefficient agricultural practices; agricultural challenges that impact food production and its value chain; harsh environmental conditions including irregular rainfall patterns, droughts, and flooding; rapid population growth; limited access to education; poor infrastructure including roads (accessible rural roads to transport food easily), storage facilities, and electricity; lack of investment in agriculture; inefficient governance; weak policy implementation; and inadequate coordination among government agencies. No doubt, food security and fighting hunger had not been our priority, and the problem is now staring us in the face.
Today, the incidence of hunger has increased and expanded. Hunger amongst the populace is a clear and present danger which, if not addressed and effectively managed, could lead to the breakdown of law and order. A hungry man is an angry man. This angst gradually flows into the street and may have severe consequences if not checkmated. This partially explains why the average Nigerian is angry and aggressive on the street. There is a vast population of Nigerians that hunger can wipe out if nothing serious is done in the short term. Hunger dehumanises people and pushes them into a life of crime, superstition, and penury.
The devastating effect of hunger in Nigeria includes malnutrition with its concomitant health problems such as child cognitive developmental delays, stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Maternal and child mortality rates are also higher in areas with high hunger levels. Second, hunger can hinder children’s access to education. Malnourished children often have reduced energy and focus, making it difficult to engage in learning activities effectively. Third, it can lead to reduced productivity and economic potential.
Malnourished individuals are less likely to be able to work and contribute fully to their communities and the economy. Fourth, hunger and poverty are interconnected. They can limit people’s ability to work and earn a living, perpetuating the cycle of poverty for generations. Fifth, persistent hunger can hinder the development of a skilled and productive workforce, which is essential for the long-term growth and stability of the country.