Despite Agric Intervention, Food Situation In Nigeria Precarious, Says NBS

Nigeria’s food insecurity situation became severe in August as it rose to 68 per cent despite government interventions efforts and palliatives.

The National Bureau of Statistics made the disclosure in the Nigeria COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey.

“Nigeria’s food security situation in Nigeria remains precarious, even as the lockdown restrictions continue to be loosened,” the Bureau said.

NBS said  the moderate and severe food insecurity across the country were highest in August this year than in July and August 2018.

The Report stated that across the three main income generating activities which includes wages, agriculture, and non-farm enterprises, a significant percentage of households report a decrease in income compared to the same period in August 2019.

Also 67 per cent of households reported a decline in income as against the same period one year ago in August 2019.

The Bureau said the share of Nigerian households that witnessed decline in income was highest for non-farm family business activities at 65 per cent.

This is against the 58 per cent for agriculture household farming, livestock or fishing; while 43 per cent was for wage employment.

“The pandemic continues to affect the livelihoods of Nigerian households and many have had to take out loans to meet their current obligations,” the reported added.