An Unprecedented Famine is Predicted in Northern Nigeria in 2026

• 35 million people may face famine in 2026
• Borno will be classified as Phase 5 famine
• Lack of funding exacerbates the situation with food production

Northern Nigeria is facing a serious famine, as the increase in attacks by militants leads to a catastrophic situation with food insecurity. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), by 2026, 35 million people could be experiencing severe hunger, which is the highest figure since monitoring began.

It is predicted that approximately 15,000 people in Borno state, the epicenter of crisis events in Nigeria, will face conditions similar to famine. The status of Borno will be classified as Phase 5, the highest level of food insecurity, analogous to what is being observed in parts of Gaza and Sudan.

Attacks by armed groups, such as those associated with Al-Qaeda, hinder farmers from cultivating their land, which further fuels the food crisis. Already, nearly a million people rely on humanitarian assistance, but the lack of funding has hindered the timely implementation of food programs.

In connection with this, more than 6 million people in the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe have minimal food supplies, and the level of malnutrition among children reaches "critical" levels in some areas.

WFP operations have reported serious cuts due to reduced funding, particularly significant reductions from the U.S. If there are no new funding sources, millions of people will remain without assistance in the coming year.

Tags: Well-being