Nigeria Faces Escalating Hunger Crisis as USAID Funding Cuts Bite
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA – A severe hunger crisis is deepening in northeastern Nigeria as aid organizations struggle to maintain food assistance programs following significant cuts to funding from the United States agency for International Development (USAID). The reduction in aid is coinciding with Nigeria’s worst economic crisis in decades,marked by soaring food prices and leaving millions vulnerable to malnutrition,especially internally displaced persons and refugees.
The pullback in U.S. support threatens critical programs for malnourished children and the most vulnerable populations.”We can no longer take special food for malnourished children to clinics,” stated Kats,an aid worker whose last name was not provided in the source material. “This is very bad. This is the moment that the humanitarian community needs to stay the course in the northeast. We have a major humanitarian crisis here.” The situation is particularly dire in refugee camps like Bama,where food distribution has already been scaled back,prioritizing only the most at-risk individuals.
nigeria is grappling with a confluence of crises.The economic downturn has driven up food prices,making it increasingly tough for families to afford basic necessities. Together, the reduction in USAID funding - previously a substantial source of aid – is creating a critical gap in humanitarian assistance.While the U.S.recently pledged approximately 28 million euros to the World food Program (WFP) in early September to combat malnutrition, aid workers emphasize this is a fraction of the previous support provided through USAID.
Refugees are already feeling the impact.”I share the food I get here with others,” said Fanne Hamza, a refugee standing in line for food in Bama.”Four orphans are having dinner with us.” Aid worker Soumbami tukunabo of InterSOS described the situation as “heartbreaking,” explaining that organizations are being forced to inform communities that fewer people will receive assistance due to “global budget cuts.” The long-term consequences of reduced food aid could be devastating, possibly exacerbating instability and hindering recovery efforts in a region already facing significant challenges.
