Nigeria has suffered a devastating loss of 855,629 metric tonnes of food due to the 2024 floods, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has revealed.
This alarming figure was presented during an event to mark the 2024 World Food Day in Abuja.
The lost food, according to FAO, is enough to feed 8.5 million Nigerians for six months.
The scale of the damage underscores the growing threats to Nigeria’s food security.
A Warning from FAO
Salisu Mohammed, the FAO Assistant Country Representative, highlighted the severity of the situation at the World Food Day event.
He warned that multiple crises—climate change, inflation, insecurity, and the broader economic situation—have significantly impacted food production in the country.
He said, “The floods of 2024 have severely affected agricultural productivity, leaving many farmers in distress and worsening the food situation in the country.”
These combined challenges are a major threat to farmers’ livelihoods, as they struggle to produce enough food to meet the needs of the growing population.
The Scale of the Losses
The 855,629 metric tonnes of food lost is an eye-opening statistic.
It points to the vulnerability of Nigeria’s agriculture, which is highly dependent on weather patterns.
Floods, in particular, have become a recurring disaster for many farmers.
In recent years, climate-related disasters such as flooding have been occurring with greater frequency and intensity in Nigeria, exacerbating food shortages and pushing many into poverty.
According to FAO, the damage caused by these floods could have long-term effects on food security if urgent action is not taken.
Food Security and the 2024 World Food Day
The theme for this year’s World Food Day is “The Right to Food for a Better Life and Future”.
It calls for greater recognition of the hardships faced by vulnerable populations and stresses the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to adequate and nutritious food.
FAO’s warning comes at a crucial time as food insecurity continues to rise in Nigeria.
The situation is worsened by inflation, which has caused food prices to skyrocket, making it difficult for many families to afford basic meals.
Mohammed said that while the federal government has made efforts to boost food production, more needs to be done.
He emphasized the need for collective action by governments, private individuals, and communities to tackle these food challenges.
The Federal Government’s Response
In response to these growing challenges, the Nigerian federal government has stepped up efforts to address food insecurity.
At the same event, Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, outlined the government’s plan to increase wheat production during the 2024 dry-season farming.
He revealed that the government plans to boost wheat production to 750,000 metric tonnes.
This target surpasses the previous goal of 500,000 metric tonnes set for the 2023-2024 dry-season farming.
The move is aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on wheat imports and enhancing food security.
A Commitment to Sustainable Farming
Abdullahi acknowledged the numerous challenges facing Nigerian farmers, including climate-related issues and rising production costs.
However, he reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to addressing these obstacles and ensuring the availability of food for all Nigerians.
The minister also emphasized the importance of sustainable farming practices to reduce food loss and waste.
He urged farmers to adopt new farming techniques that would help them cope with climate change and reduce the risks of future disasters.
He said, “We must focus on building a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the impacts of climate change. This is essential to ensure that food is always available and accessible to every Nigerian.”
