FAO: Urgent action needed for food insecurity in West Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) announced on Thursday that food insecurity in West Africa has reached 50 million people.

This alarming statistic was shared by FAO Country Representative Kofi Dominic during a panel session at the ongoing 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri.

Dominic highlighted a staggering increase of 35 million people facing food insecurity within just five years.

Consequently, he urged for immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of the region’s food crisis.

In 2020, food insecurity affected 15 million individuals across West Africa.

However, despite efforts in agriculture, livestock management, and food distribution, that number has now surged to 50 million, according to Dominic.

He attributed this crisis to three key factors: conflict, climate change, and economic shocks, which have severely disrupted food production and supply chains.

Last year, 15 countries in West and Central Africa experienced devastating floods, impacting nearly seven million people.

In Nigeria alone, floods destroyed 850,000 metric tons of food, enough to feed eight million people for six months.

This situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable, long-term solutions rather than relying solely on short-term humanitarian aid.

Dominic emphasized the importance of investing in agriculture, climate-resilient seeds, and improved irrigation systems.

He praised the collaboration between FAO, Nigeria, and state authorities, emphasizing Borno Governor Zulum’s commitment to food security efforts.

With five years remaining to achieve zero hunger by 2030, he urged governments, donors, and private sector stakeholders to act.

The rapid growth of food insecurity highlights the necessity for urgent investment and coordinated efforts.

The FAO’s latest figures illustrate the critical nature of the crisis and the need for a comprehensive response to ensure food access for millions across the region.

David Stevenson, the Country Representative for the WFP, also spoke about the severity of the situation in the region.

Stevenson noted that West Africa faces numerous challenges, including climate change, conflict, and displacement, which exacerbate food shortages.

Currently, over seven million people in the Lake Chad Basin are food insecure, and this figure continues to rise.

Moreover, the region is witnessing the displacement of over three million people, alongside acute shortages of medical services and essential supplies.

Stevenson emphasized the potential of high-value crops like cowpeas, moringa, and hibiscus to transform the region’s economy and address food insecurity.

He stressed the need for innovative solutions to modernize traditional agricultural systems while restoring ecosystems and mitigating climate change.

Despite the challenges, the region has a rich history of cross-border trade and agricultural productivity.

To unlock billions of dollars in economic potential, Stevenson argued for the right investments and political commitment.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation among basin countries, stating that regional partnerships via the LCBC are essential for solutions.

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