Malnutrition and food insecurity in northern Nigeria: an insight into the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in Nigeria

Abstract Malnutrition and food insecurity are two major diseases combating human development in Nigeria as they cause poor infant development, deteriorating maternal and child health, weaker immune systems, risky pregnancy and childbirth. This paper provides an in-depth overview of the implementation, impact, benefits and costs of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in relation to malnutrition and food insecurity, in northern Nigeria. The primary purpose of the WFP is to meet the immediate food and nutrition needs of those most exposed to acute hunger. However, some of the challenges include conflict and insecurity, rising inflation and the impact of climate crisis. These challenges are been tackled through works at the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, with targeted emergency responses with a view to a sustainable food security for all, which aligns with various partnerships and collaborations. With a comprehensive approach that spans emergency response, long-term development, and humanitarian services through supplementary feeding, nutrition education and capacity building, the WFP has made a significant impact in improving the lives of millions of Nigerians facing the challenges of poverty, conflict, and climate change. Although, there was an increase in food inflation and under-nourishment in Nigeria, the operations of the WFP was positive and significant in contributing to human development in northern Nigeria. It is recommended that the WFP, in collaboration with the government, private sector and other humanitarian agencies, provide a more robust and holistic food assistance and skills development to hunger prone areas in Nigeria. Furthermore, the WEP should provide the necessary support for food production in Nigeria through youth-inclusive and reliable marketing strategies in rural areas.