(Ecofin Agency) - A recent report released by the Famine Early Warning System Network has shown that Nigeria will witness famine in 2017, due to non-stop conflict, severe drought and economic instability.

The agency, which is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), said the Boko Haram crisis in the country continues to add to large-scale population displacement, reduce market activity and hamper normal livelihoods, Premium Times reports.

“Food insecurity during 2017 will be driven primarily by three factors. Most importantly, persistent conflict is disrupting livelihoods, limiting trade, and restricting humanitarian access across many regions. Economic instability, related to conflict, a decline in foreign reserves due to low global commodity prices, and associated currency depreciation have contributed to very high staple food prices in Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, South Sudan, and Yemen,” it explained.

The report, however, noted that in order to save lives, persistent efforts to settle conflicts and improve humanitarian access are needed.

The Federal government in November 2016 warned Nigerians of a possible famine if the excess export of grains was not put to check. “Huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian food across our borders and unless this is curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of grains by January next year,” Garba Shehu (photo), the spokesperson to the President, ‎had said.

Anita Fatunji