Hunger levels decline for the first time since Boko Haram crisis

As the Boko Haram crisis ravaged the Northeastern part of Nigeria, most people were left hungry with little or no food sources but for the first time since the crisis, hunger levels have declined.

In the three states ravaged by the violence, the number of people facing acute hunger has halved since June from 5.2 million to 2.6 million people according to a food security analysis.

This is due to an overall improved security situation, the scaling-up of humanitarian and longer-term livelihoods assistance by the government with support from other organizations.

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The United Nations contribution to efforts of helping the hunger situation

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reportedly provided cowpea, maize, millet, sorghum, vegetable seeds and fertilizers to 1 million people which include internally displaced populations, returned refugees, and host communities.

This is in an effort to help them get through the last rainy season from June to September when food stocks are running low.

FAO is aiming to boost local production through the distribution of vegetable seeds, farming kits, fertilisers, and irrigation equipment to some 780,000 people across the three states as a new planting season approaches.

By supporting host communities to plant during the rainy season, FAO has also brought relief to displaced, landless populations who can work in the fields and earn an income rather than having to resort to begging or waiting on aid from the government.

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What is the reported future food situation in North East Nigeria?

According to the Cadre Harmonisé report, during the period of June to August 2018, it is estimated that about 3.6 million people in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe may be once again battling acute hunger.

12,536 people out of these 3.6 million are expected to face a critical famine situation if no adequate remedial measures are provided in time to prevent this from occurring.

Without increased efforts of government and humanitarian organizations, the situation which recently has been seen to improve drastically could deteriorate once again the report warns.

This sustained support from rainy to dry season has helped to build vulnerable communities' resilience, strengthen their ability to grow both staple and cash crops while reducing the need for food assistance.

Hunger levels decline for the first time since Boko Haram crisis

As the Boko Haram crisis ravaged the Northeastern part of Nigeria, most people were left hungry with little or no food sources but for the first time since the crisis, hunger levels have declined.

The United Nations contribution to efforts of helping the hunger situation

What is the reported future food situation in North East Nigeria?

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