Nigeria finds itself ranked 109th out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, reflecting the severity of hunger within its population. The report, comparing countries based on various hunger dimensions, places Nigeria below nations such as Sudan, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, North Korea, and Guinea. This ranking is influenced by challenges like a record-high inflation rate of 28.92% and a food inflation rate of 33.93%, attributed to increased prices of staple items. The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is emphasized as a comprehensive tool providing a thorough assessment of hunger globally.
Criteria for Assessment and Key Insights:
GHI uses a formula considering undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality for each country.
Nigeria faces the risk of hunger affecting 26.5 million people in 2024, as projected by the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Regions like FCT, Sokoto, Borno, and Zamfara are identified as most at risk of hunger.
Food inflation at 33.93% significantly impacts Nigerians’ spending on essential food items.
Despite a government-declared state of emergency on food security, rising food prices persist, affecting consumers.
