Borno state and its environs needs special status Support now after 13 years of conflict. – Abayomi Odunowo.
The state of poverty and hunger in Borno is dire, with a significant portion of the population being food insecure. According to the World Food Programme, 4.4 million people are food insecure in northeast Nigeria, with 2.2 million internally displaced in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. This situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the region, which has disrupted agricultural activities and led to widespread displacement.
The lack of access to food and basic necessities has had a devastating impact on the people of Borno, with many facing malnutrition and starvation. The situation is particularly dire for children, who are the most vulnerable to the effects of hunger and malnutrition.
In addition to the immediate impact on the health and well-being of the population, the widespread poverty and hunger in Borno also have long-term consequences for the development and stability of the region. Without access to adequate food and nutrition, the people of Borno are unable to reach their full potential and contribute to the economic and social development of their communities.
Efforts to address the state of poverty and hunger in Borno must be prioritized, with a focus on providing immediate emergency assistance as well as long-term solutions to ensure food security for the population. It is imperative that the international community continues to support humanitarian efforts in Borno to alleviate the suffering of the people and work towards a sustainable solution to the crisis.
The North East region of Nigeria has been plagued by conflict for many years, which has significantly contributed to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the area. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has led to widespread displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of livelihoods for millions of people.
As a result of the conflict, over 3 million people in Borno State alone are food-insecure, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare. The situation is further exacerbated by periodic droughts, floods, and insurgent activities, which have led to a significant drop in malnutrition rates, especially in remote, conflict-affected areas.
The conflict has hindered humanitarian access to those in need, making it difficult for aid organizations to deliver much-needed assistance to affected communities. Furthermore, the ongoing violence and insecurity have led to a breakdown in social and economic structures, making it challenging for people to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
It is imperative for the international community to support efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and invest in long-term solutions to rebuild the affected communities. Only by addressing the underlying issues can we hope to alleviate the suffering of the millions of people affected by this crisis.
The Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has had far-reaching consequences, including the exacerbation of poverty, hunger, and a post-displacement crisis in the Borno state. With 13 years of conflict, the region has experienced increased vulnerability and food insecurity, leading to devastating consequences for the civilian population. The United Nations estimates that the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states could be as high as 2 million.
The conflict has disrupted agricultural activities, leading to reduced food production and limited access to markets, exacerbating food shortages and driving up food prices. The displacement of populations has also resulted in the loss of livelihoods and assets, leaving families without means to support themselves.
The ongoing conflict has also led to the destruction of infrastructure and essential services, further compounding the dire humanitarian situation. Access to clean water, healthcare, and education has been severely compromised, putting the most vulnerable populations, particularly children, at risk.
Addressing the root causes of the crisis, including the conflict and its impact on food security and livelihoods, is crucial in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Humanitarian assistance must be mobilized to provide immediate relief and support for the affected populations, while long-term solutions focusing on peacebuilding and reconstruction are also essential to address the underlying drivers of poverty and hunger in the region.
The shutdown of relief camps in the Borno region has had a devastating impact on the already dire situation of hunger and malnutrition in the area. With millions of people facing severe food insecurity, particularly children under the age of five, urgent efforts are needed to prevent a catastrophic food and nutrition crisis in the region.
The closure of relief camps has left vulnerable populations without crucial food and nutritional support, exacerbating already high rates of hunger and malnutrition. Many families have been left without access to basic necessities, and the lack of access to adequate nutrition has resulted in a significant increase in cases of severe acute malnutrition among children.
The shutdown of relief camps has also disrupted the distribution of food aid and other essential resources, further worsening the already critical situation. Without immediate intervention, the region faces the very real risk of a widespread famine and irreversible damage to the health and well-being of its population.
It is imperative that urgent measures be taken to address the escalating levels of hunger and malnutrition in the region. This includes the immediate reopening of relief camps and the resumption of food aid distribution, as well as the implementation of long-term solutions to ensure sustainable access to nutritious food for the people of Borno. The international community must come together to provide the necessary support and resources to mitigate the devastating effects of the shutdown of relief camps and prevent a humanitarian disaster in the region.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
15th February, 2024.
