Government and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are two essential pillars leading the fight against hunger. The collaboration and coordinated activities of these two organizations significantly contribute to addressing Nigeria’s chronic hunger and malnutrition problem.
Millions of people around the world continue to struggle with hunger, and Nigeria is no exception. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is struggling with the complicated problem of food insecurity, which has a significant impact on the socioeconomic development and well-being of its population.
Daily lived experiences are providing more and more proof of hunger nationwide, and professional assessments are confirming this evidence more frequently. The United Nations World Food Program released a disturbing report stating that 24.8 million Nigerians are presently suffering from severe hunger as the most recent evidence of the escalating food insecurity and widespread hardship in the nation.
According to the World Food Program (WFP), 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory are affected, meaning that one in eight Nigerians suffer from hunger. In order to revitalize the paralyzed economy that is impeding agricultural output and causing food shortages and climate change, both the government and NGOs must step in.
Causes of hunger in Nigeria
Hunger in Nigeria is a result of ongoing violence, climate change, inflation, and rising food prices. Ongoing violence in the north-eastern provinces of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY), as well as armed banditry and kidnapping in other states like Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Benue, and Niger but, flooding resulting from climate change has had the most impact on food access in the country.
3 million of the 17 million people who are food insecure at the moment live in the northeast BAY states. This number is anticipated to rise to 4.4 million during the lean season if prompt action is not taken. Included in this are extremely susceptible populations that have been displaced and returnees who are already trying to endure a significant humanitarian crisis in which 8.3 million people require aid.
The economic impact of post-harvest losses was predicted by the Federal Government to be over N3.5 trillion yearly in August 2022. As a result, food inflation increased to 24.45% percent year over year in March, up from 17.2 percent in March 2022, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency, extensive flooding during the 2022 rainy season destroyed more than 676,000 hectares of cropland, reducing harvests and raising the likelihood that families across the nation will experience food poverty. One of the consequences of Nigeria’s exposure to climatic variability and change is floods. Future forecasts predict harsher weather patterns that will threaten food security and cause widespread hunger. Hence, the reason Government and NGOs must work together to combat hunger in the country.
How government and NGOs can combat hunger in Nigeria
To combat hunger and solve food insecurity in the nation, the Nigerian government may use a variety of techniques and projects in partnership with NGOs. These initiatives are essential for addressing the many issues that lead to hunger and malnutrition.
Government and NGOs can collaborate in order to pool resources, combine knowledge, and make more progress against hunger. Making substantial advancements in the fight against hunger in Nigeria requires effective government and non-governmental organization (NGO) cooperation. They may collaborate toward long-term solutions that enhance food security and nutrition for all Nigerians by pooling their skills and resources.
Government should create and put into effect policies that support sustainable agriculture, enhance food distribution, and guarantee the quality and safety of the food. The needs of disadvantaged populations should be given priority in these initiatives. Give farmers in various areas the tools they need to succeed. This is due to the fact that farmers lack the fundamental assistance needed to improve their production methods to commercial scales.
Loan repayment and corruption issues have plagued certain ongoing efforts, such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Program, which offers financing to growers. The All-Farmers Association of Nigeria argued that the program’s goal of increasing food production was not achieved because many loan recipients were not farmers. On the other hand, NGOs should promote evidence-based regulations and work with the executive branch to guarantee their efficient implementation.
To reach more poor households, the government should also broaden and enhance social safety net programs like cash transfer schemes, school food programs, and nutrition efforts.
NGOs and the government can work together to pinpoint and provide aid to the populations that are most in need. Support program monitoring, assessment, and design. Reduce food waste and boost farmers’ revenue by assisting in the construction of community-based storage facilities and assisting in the connection of farmers with markets.
NGOs can collaborate with the government to expand initiatives like the Lagos Food Bank that help feed the hungry. It might expand beyond Lagos to other regions of Nigeria with government assistance.
Most significantly, the government needs to address climate change, which is the primary source of famine. To lessen the effects of climate change on food production, the government should develop climate-smart agricultural practices and regulations. In this way, agricultural production will be possible even when climate change effects are present.
On the other hand, NGOs may inform farmers about climate-resilient farming methods and support local governments in adjusting to changing environmental conditions.
