As Nigeria joins the rest of the globe to mark World Food Day, stakeholders in the agriculture sector have expressed fear that the nation may further suffer a setback in the quest for food sufficiency.

They claimed that the impact of the crisis in Russia/Ukraine, climate change, rising price of fertilizer and flooding, which caused a dramatic increase in food prices is likely to worsen the country’s food crisis and plunge many into hunger if urgent steps are not taken by government and other stakeholders.

World Food Day is celebrated yearly on 16th October to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all.

The date was designated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, (FAO), of the United Nations in 1979.

This year’s theme: “Leave No One Behind, Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life,” highlights that production and consumption of safe foods have immediate and long-term benefits for people, the planet, and the economy.

According to FAO, analysis carried out at the beginning of this year indicated that about 19.4 million people faced food insecurity in21 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, FAO Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Fred Kafeero has said as food insecurity worsens so will the risk of malnutrition.

According to Mr. Kafeero it is estimated that about two million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, climate extremes, such as the ongoing floods that have ravaged so many areas.

The FAO Representative, who described the fight against hunger and malnutrition as a daunting task, appealed for concerted action from
stakeholders, government, international and national research systems.