Weather experts have issued a warning over 50 million people in West Africa and the Sahel region may face a food crisis between June and October. Abdou Ali, a representative of the Agriculture, Hydrology and Meteorology Research Centre, delivered this message during a workshop in Abuja. He cited several factors contributing to the impending crisis, including insecurity, insufficient food production, and a delayed onset of the rainy season. Ali stressed the urgent need for countries in the region to reform their food production systems to mitigate the crisis.
Ali emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that without appropriate measures, a significant portion of the population would suffer food shortages during the lean season. He highlighted the analysis by the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) and its partners, which projected a substantial increase in the number of people facing food crises compared to the previous year.
To tackle the looming food crisis, Ali urged each country to mobilize funds, activate contingency plans, seek assistance from partners, and provide food aid where necessary. He underscored the importance of bolstering food production systems to address the root causes of the crisis.
In response to the forecast, the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Charles Anosike, announced proactive measures. He stated that the agency had commenced the distribution of seasonal rainfall predictions through various media channels, including social media, television, and radio. Anosike emphasized the significance of early warnings in preventing resource losses, particularly among farmers, and urged citizens to heed the warnings to mitigate the impact of flooding and other disasters.
Meanwhile, Roland Abah, a representative of the World Meteorological Organization, highlighted the broader implications of climate change on regional development. He pointed out that extreme weather events posed a significant threat, citing the World Economic Forum’s recognition of extreme weather as the most significant current risk to the global economy. Abah noted the alarming trend of rising temperatures, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address climate change and its adverse effects on vulnerable regions like West Africa and the Sahel.
