AGS NEWS – In June, Nigeria’s inflation rate soared to 34.19%, the highest in 28 years, exacerbating economic difficulties for many citizens.

The situation was further aggravated by a 40.87% rise in food inflation, primarily due to insecurity in agricultural regions, making essential food items unaffordable for many.

The UN’s 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition report revealed that 78.7% of Nigerians, approximately 172 million people, couldn’t afford a healthy diet in 2022. As of 2022, a Nigerian needed about $3.83 per day for a nutritious diet.

This financial strain has led many to switch to cheaper local foods, like cocoyams and soybeans.

Cocoa yam, known for its versatility and nutritional value, has become a popular substitute for staples like rice and gari in markets such as Wuse and Utako in Abuja.

“I used to buy rice and gari,” said Anne Ikechukwu, a mother of three. “But with prices skyrocketing, I had to find an alternative. Cocoa yam is cheaper, more filling, and nutritious.”

Similarly, soybean cake, or wara, is gaining popularity as a protein-rich alternative to expensive meat. “Wara has become a staple in my household. It’s delicious and pocket-friendly,” said John Opaluwah, a civil servant.

The inflation crisis has also led to a shift away from costly vegetables like tomatoes. Instead, cheaper options like spinach and bell peppers are being used.

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Trader Ashifa Ahmed noted the steep rise in tomato prices, forcing her to find more affordable alternatives for her stews.

A mother of four, Ojone Adams, shared that she now relies on parched corn and beans as regular meals due to the unaffordable cost of rice and yam. “With rising food prices, we struggle to afford a balanced diet,” she lamented.

The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the cost of a healthy diet increased by 19.2% to N1,241 per adult per day in June 2024, with regional variations.

The UN predicts that about 82 million Nigerians will face hunger by 2030 due to conflicts, climate change, inflation, and rising costs.

Persistent violence in northeast states and a sharp increase in food prices have severely impacted food availability and access.

Prices of staple foods like beans and yam have more than doubled in the past year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

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Experts highlight the ingenuity and resilience of Nigerians in adapting to these changes, but stress the need for sustainable solutions.

Supporting local farmers and investing in agricultural infrastructure are critical to stabilizing food prices and ensuring long-term food security.

Agriculture initiatives and community-based programs aim to improve farming practices and increase food production.

However, challenges remain, and experts call for greater private sector involvement to drive innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.

The government is also pushing for mechanized farming to boost productivity. Despite these efforts, overcoming food inflation and ensuring food security will require a multifaceted approach and continued resilience from Nigerians.