58m persons face acute food crisis in Nigeria, DR Congo, others

A coalition of international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has revealed that over 58 million people, including 29 million children, are facing acute food crises across West and Central Africa.

The NGOs, which comprise Save the Children, World Vision, SOS Children’s Village, Terre des Hommes, Educo and Plan International, raised the alarm in a statement, stating that millions of households currently face serious food shortages that greatly reduce their daily consumption and lead to acute malnutrition and illnesses.

The coalition observed that more than half of the affected households are in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, while in Central Sahel, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, over 12.7 million persons are victims.

Nigeria remains among the nations of greatest global concern for the period of October 2022 to January 2023 for which immediate assistance is required.

Regional Director for Save the Children in West and Central Africa Region, Philippe Adapoe, said: “2022 has been one of the most difficult years for children and their families in West and Central Africa, with this year’s lean season being one of the worst in 10 years. Those living in regions impacted by conflicts have been the most affected. Malnutrition rates among children under five years have soared.

“Enough is enough. It’s time for concrete action to prevent a catastrophe from happening right before our eyes.”

The food security and nutritional status of the population, especially women and children, have been severely compromised and worsened by conflicts, long-term consequences of restriction of activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic and constant rise in costs of basic foodstuffs, fuel and fertiliser.

Besides, conflicts have left many families without access to their fields and resulted in a wave of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in need. Added to this, are the effects of climate change, with floods damaging crops, vegetables and others.

Regional Leader for World Vision in West Africa, Carla Denizard, stated: “Children must be protected and that means responding quickly to the ongoing food crisis and taking preventive measures. With schools currently opening in most countries in the region, it is important to ensure that there is enough healthy food to allow children to be healthy and enjoy their right to go to school and stay there.”

The Joining Force Alliance called on local decision-makers and the international community to prioritise the food crisis.