The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a dire warning about the escalating malnutrition crisis in northeastern Nigeria, revealing that an estimated 3.7 million children are currently affected by severe hunger and malnourishment. The affected children, mostly from Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, suffer from stunting, wasting, and anemia due to chronic food insecurity and inadequate nutrition.
The shocking revelation was made during a high-level roundtable discussion organized by the Borno State Government in collaboration with FAO. The meeting, held at the UN House in Abuja on Wednesday, brought together key stakeholders, including federal ministry representatives, donor agencies, UN bodies, and non-governmental organizations, all focused on finding sustainable solutions to the malnutrition crisis.
FAO Sounds the Alarm
According to FAO’s Communication Specialist, David Tsokar, the malnutrition crisis has reached alarming levels. “An estimated 3.7 million children in northeast Nigeria are either stunted, wasted, or suffering from anemia. This situation requires urgent intervention,” he stated in an email to journalists.
John Mukisa, the Nutrition Sector Coordinator for the Northeast Nutrition Sector, reinforced the urgency of the situation, pointing out that a localized solution could significantly mitigate the crisis. “Investing in low-cost, innovative, and locally sourced nutrition programs such as Tom Brown could save Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States up to $120 million annually while addressing malnutrition effectively,” Mukisa stated.
Tom Brown Initiative: A Potential Lifesaver
One of the key solutions discussed at the roundtable was the scaling up of the Tom Brown initiative, a nutrient-rich food made from locally available ingredients such as maize, groundnuts, and soybeans. The intervention has already demonstrated significant success in reducing malnutrition rates, particularly among children under five and lactating mothers.
Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Gana, highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions to address the crisis. “Nigeria bears one of the highest burdens of malnutrition in the world. The statistics are not just numbers; they represent children suffering daily. We must act fast. Tom Brown has proven to be a cost-effective solution that can save lives,” he emphasized.
FAO’s Representative ad interim, Koffy Dominique Kouacou, underscored the broader benefits of expanding the initiative. “Scaling up Tom Brown will not only address urgent nutritional needs but also boost local economies, create jobs, and strengthen food security. This is a holistic approach that will transform lives and communities,” Kouacou remarked.
A Worsening Food Crisis
The malnutrition crisis in northern Nigeria is part of a larger food insecurity problem. Recent figures from the Cadre Harmonisé, a regional food security analysis, indicate that 25 million Nigerians are currently food insecure. Worse still, projections suggest that this number could rise to 33.1 million by mid-2025, affecting 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The situation has been exacerbated by persistent insecurity, displacement, and economic instability in the region. Years of violent insurgency by Boko Haram and other militant groups have disrupted agricultural activities, leading to food shortages and increased reliance on humanitarian aid.
Borno State Pushes for Local Production
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, stressed the need to boost local production of Tom Brown as a means to combat malnutrition and stimulate economic growth. “Producing and commercializing Tom Brown at scale will not only help our children but also attract private sector investment, create jobs, and increase state revenue,” Zulum stated.
Stakeholders at the roundtable deliberated on the challenges of scaling up production, including funding constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for regulatory support. Discussions led to the formulation of a draft roadmap aimed at expanding production facilities, ensuring sustainability, and maximizing the program’s impact.
A Call for Immediate Action
FAO, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, has called on donors, private investors, and humanitarian organizations to support the expansion of the Tom Brown initiative. The organization has already enhanced the product with fish protein, distributing it as emergency nutritional aid to families affected by floods and food shortages.
“Beyond policies and numbers, we must remember the human cost of malnutrition—the children whose futures are at risk. Scaling up Tom Brown could mean the difference between life and death for millions of Nigerian children,” Kouacou added.
As Nigeria grapples with worsening food insecurity, the success of community-driven nutrition interventions like Tom Brown could serve as a model for addressing malnutrition on a broader scale. The challenge now lies in securing the necessary funding, infrastructure, and policy support to turn this vision into reality.