There are two reports that were published in the first quarter of this year, 2013, that come to mind when writing a short piece about this topic; Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) report on Internally Displaced People (IDP) and the Famine Early Warning Systems. Both reports highlight the present position of the country and give insights into what to expect in months to come in the light of Internal displacement and food security.
On the one hand, following the IDMC report, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest regional number of Internally Displaced People (IDP) with about 10.4 million people out of 28.8 million globally in 2012. This is evidently due to conflicts, violence, Bakasi disputes and environmental issues (Floods and Dessert Encroachments). The Continuing displacements caused by the Boko Haram insurgent destroy homes, businesses and people’s livelihoods, hence reducing the income levels of many people in the North, particularly in Borno and Yobe states. As a result, food stocks in these areas also depleted earlier than normal due to below-average 2012/13 crop production.
On the other hand, in areas affected by last season's floods, poor households are still in the process of recovering their livelihoods. Most of these households have also become market dependent earlier than normal and are having difficulties access food due to above normal staple food prices; according to the FEWS food Security Outlook.
Subsequently, with the latest trends of event in the activities of Boko Haram, this displacement figure will increase and poor households in this region will face serious food insecurity crisis this year. In flood-affected areas, poor households will be Stressed (IPC Phase 2) through September. For the rest of the country, prices for major staple foods (sorghum, maize, millet, garri, and yams) are currently above both last year's levels and the five-year average. However relatively normal income levels from livestock, cropping, and off-farm labor activities, as well as early green harvests, will enable households to access food normally.
For full reports, Click on these topics.
Internally Displaced People (IDP) Report
FEWS Report on Nigeria
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