Campaign Against Hunger: A Coalition for Food Security
A broad alliance spearheaded by farmers, agribusinesses, and civil society groups is rallying to tackle a looming food insecurity crisis. A new study from the Food Security Situation Analysis projects that 34.7 million people in 27 Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory will be food insecure or worse between June and August 2026. The findings shine a light on structural vulnerabilities in the country’s food system and underscore the urgent need for coordinated action.
Key drivers: why hunger is looming
The projection points to several contributing factors, with food imports identified as a significant driver behind weakened domestic resilience. The study notes that heavy reliance on imports for staple foods, coupled with supply chain disruptions and macroeconomic pressures, has strained local producers and raised vulnerability at the household level. In response, the campaign emphasizes strengthening local production, improving market access for smallholders, and building strategic reserves to weather shocks.
What the campaign seeks to achieve
- Boost household food security through increased local production, diversified crops, and improved storage and processing.
- Enhance farmers’ incomes by strengthening value chains, offering affordable credit, and expanding access to markets.
- Promote nutrition-sensitive approaches that ensure even when calories are available, they come with essential micronutrients.
- Improve policy coordination among farmers, traders, logistics providers, and government agencies to reduce bottlenecks and price volatility.
Becoming a united front: who is involved?
The campaign brings together smallholder farmers, agribusiness associations, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and representatives from youth and women’s groups. By bridging gaps between producers and buyers, the initiative aims to create a more resilient food system that can adapt to climate shocks and market fluctuations. Community leaders and local governments are central to tailoring solutions to regional realities—from drought-prone areas to surplus-producing zones.
Strategies on the ground
Practical steps include expanding irrigation and water harvesting, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, and investing in storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Training in agronomy and post-harvest handling is being scaled up to help farmers produce higher yields with lower risk. The coalition also prioritizes transparent price information and reliable market data to help households make informed food purchases during tight periods.
Nutrition and equity at the core
Beyond calories, the campaign emphasizes nutrition-sensitive farming—ensuring smallholder plots can grow not only staple grains but nutrient-rich crops. Special attention is given to women farmers and youth, recognizing their pivotal role in sustaining local food systems. Inclusive dialogue with rural communities helps align expectations with practical, locally appropriate interventions.
What success looks like
Successful implementation would mean fewer people facing severe food shortages, steadier prices for staple foods, and a measurable boost in farm incomes. A robust public-private partnership nimbly responds to weather anomalies and global market shifts, safeguarding households from shocks. The campaign presents a blueprint for resilience that can be adapted to other nations facing similar hunger pressures.
How you can participate
Stakeholders and ordinary citizens alike can contribute by supporting local farmers’ markets, engaging with community outreach programs, and advocating for policies that support storage, transport, and affordable credit. Public awareness campaigns are educating households on nutritious choices and efficient food budgeting, helping reduce waste and maximize the value of every meal.
The campaign against hunger represents more than an emergency response; it’s a long-term investment in sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, and national stability. As the study underscores the urgency, this united effort offers a hopeful path toward a food-secure future for all.
