The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a dire warning that 82 million Nigerians, or about 64% of the population, could face severe hunger by 2030. This projection is particularly alarming given the current widespread hunger already affecting the country.
At a recent launch of the CropWatch technology in Abuja, Taofiq Braimoh, the FAO’s Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, highlighted the pressing need for the Nigerian government to address critical issues such as climate change, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity.
Braimoh shared the results of this year’s annual food security survey, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian government and other partners, which revealed that approximately 22 million Nigerians will face food insecurity in 2024. This number is projected to escalate to around 80-82 million by 2030.
He stressed the importance of leveraging technology to combat these challenges. “The satellite-based crop monitoring system provides real-time data on crop conditions, enabling farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions and optimize agricultural practices. Technology is crucial to strengthening our agriculture sector and ensuring food security,” Braimoh stated.
The FAO emphasized that addressing these threats through technological advancements and sustainable practices is essential for Nigeria to achieve its food security and sustainable development goals.
