by The Sahel and West Africa region is facing a food and nutrition crisis, exacerbated by conflict, climate change, and economic instability. This pressing issue was highlighted at the recent Press Release on Food and Nutrition Situation in the Sahel and West Africa, held in Lomé, Togo from 20-22 March 2024. With a focus on Nigeria, one of the largest and most populous countries in the region, the conference aimed to address the challenges facing food security and nutrition in the region and explore potential solutions.
The food and nutrition situation in Nigeria is alarming, with a significant percentage of the population suffering from malnutrition and food insecurity. According to the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 9.2 million people in Nigeria are facing severe food insecurity, with children under five years old being the most vulnerable. The prevalence of stunting and wasting among children is also a major concern, indicating chronic malnutrition and poor dietary diversity in the country.
The conference in Lomé brought together policymakers, experts, NGOs, and other stakeholders to discuss the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition in the Sahel and West Africa, and to develop strategies to address these issues. The participants highlighted the complex interplay of factors contributing to the crisis, including climate change, conflict, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare. They also emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle these challenges, involving government, civil society, and the private sector.
One of the key themes of the conference was the importance of promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food systems in Nigeria and the wider region. Participants discussed the need to invest in smallholder farmers, improve irrigation and water management, and promote agricultural diversification to increase food production and ensure food security. They also emphasized the importance of supporting women and youth in agriculture, as they play a crucial role in food production and nutrition in the region.
Another important topic of discussion was the impact of climate change on food security and nutrition in the Sahel and West Africa. Participants highlighted the increasing frequency of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events in the region, which are disrupting agricultural production and exacerbating food insecurity. They called for urgent action to build resilience to climate change, through investments in climate-smart agriculture, improved water management, and early warning systems for disaster risk reduction.
The participants at the conference also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa, which are major drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition in the region. They called for a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding and conflict resolution, involving dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of human rights. They also highlighted the need for humanitarian assistance to support the most vulnerable populations affected by conflict, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities.
In addition to the discussions on food security and nutrition, the conference also addressed the issue of food waste and loss in Nigeria and the wider region. Participants highlighted the significant amount of food that is lost or wasted at various stages of the food supply chain, from production to consumption. They emphasized the need to reduce food waste and loss through better storage and preservation techniques, improved packaging and transportation, and increased awareness and education among consumers.
Overall, the Press Release on Food and Nutrition Situation in the Sahel and West Africa in Lomé, Togo highlighted the urgent need to address the food and nutrition crisis in Nigeria and the wider region. Participants called for a coordinated and multi-sectoral response to the challenges facing food security and nutrition, including investments in agriculture, climate change adaptation, and conflict resolution. They also emphasized the importance of empowering women and youth, promoting sustainable agriculture, and reducing food waste and loss to ensure a more secure and nutritious future for all.
