What's happened
Multiple West and Central African countries face severe food insecurity, with Nigeria at risk of famine for the first time in nearly a decade. Conflict, climate change, and aid cuts have worsened conditions, with the UN and WFP warning of catastrophic consequences without urgent funding.
What's behind the headline?
The worsening food crisis in Nigeria and neighboring countries reveals a complex interplay of conflict, climate change, and shrinking humanitarian aid. The UN warns that aid cuts have deepened hunger, with Nigeria projected to see 35 million people facing severe food insecurity in 2026. The reduction in aid, especially from the US, has forced agencies like WFP to scale back operations, risking a humanitarian catastrophe. The region's reliance on external funding is unsustainable, and the current approach neglects local resilience and ownership. The situation underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards sustainable, locally driven solutions, and increased investment in resilience-building. Without this, the risk of regional destabilization and mass displacement will escalate, with long-term consequences for stability and development.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights that 77% of food insecurity is concentrated in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, with aid cuts leaving millions at risk of famine. Reuters reports that Nigeria's aid model is no longer sustainable, with violence and funding shortfalls reducing assistance to millions. AP News emphasizes the sharp reduction in WFP aid, warning of catastrophic consequences if funding does not increase. All Africa notes that over 13 million children will suffer malnutrition, and communities are pushed beyond their coping capacity, with aid agencies calling for a 'paradigm shift' in response strategies. These contrasting perspectives underscore the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for increased, sustainable support.
How we got here
The region's food insecurity has been driven by conflict, displacement, and climate impacts such as floods and droughts. Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger account for most of the crisis, with aid agencies warning that funding shortages are severely limiting relief efforts. The US aid cuts and ongoing violence have compounded the situation, leaving millions vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s Behind the Ongoing Conflicts in Nigeria and Yemen?
Recent headlines reveal persistent violence and crises in Nigeria and Yemen, raising questions about the causes, responses, and regional impacts. From abductions and food shortages to targeted attacks, these ongoing conflicts are shaping the security and humanitarian landscape. Below, we explore the key issues and answer common questions about these crises.
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Why is Nigeria facing a potential famine?
Nigeria is currently experiencing a severe food crisis, with warnings of famine for the first time in nearly a decade. This alarming situation is driven by a combination of conflict, climate change, and aid cuts, leaving millions at risk. But what exactly is causing this crisis, and what can be done to prevent a humanitarian disaster? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Nigeria's food emergency and the broader regional impact in West Africa.
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What’s Causing the Food Crisis in Nigeria and Nearby Countries?
The food crisis in Nigeria and the surrounding region has reached alarming levels, driven by a combination of conflict, climate change, and aid reductions. Many are asking what’s behind this worsening situation and what can be done to stop it. Below, we explore the main causes and potential solutions to this urgent crisis.
More on these topics
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Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a sovereign country located in West Africa bordering Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.
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The World Food Programme is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.
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Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west and north; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo to