Nigerians Struggle to Afford Food, Putting Health at Risk

Nigerians Struggle to Afford Food, Putting Health at Risk

Rising food prices in Nigeria are making it difficult for people to afford healthy meals, leading to concerns about malnutrition and disease.

• A report by the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) listed Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest number of people facing hunger.
• Many families are now focused on simply filling their stomachs with any food available, rather than getting the nutrients they need.
• The cost of staple foods like beans, garri, and rice has skyrocketed.

Nutritionists warn of serious consequences if the situation doesn’t improve.

• Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.
• A lack of proper nutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, making people more susceptible to infections and diseases.
• There could be an increase in conditions like kwashiorkor and low birth weight babies.

Causes of the food crisis include:

• Insecurity in some parts of the country, which disrupts farming.
• A rise in the dollar exchange rate.

Possible solutions suggested in the article include:

• The government taking action to stop attacks on farmers.
• The government importing essential food items.