Attachments
The food security Emergency deepens in areas of the Northeast as food access is further constrained
KEY MESSAGES
Conflict-related to insurgency in the Northeast is limiting engagement in agricultural activities and increased displacement, with many populations being displaced multiple times. This, coupled with the significantly aboveaverage staple food prices, continues to constrain household purchasing power and food access. This is driving widespread Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes.
The harvest is expected to moderately improve food security outcomes across much of the region. Although, Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are expected to persist in hard-toreach areas. The risk of Famine (IPC Phase 5) persists where Famine could occur if populations are cut off from their typical food and income sources and humanitarian assistance for a prolonged period of time.
• In Bama, Damboa, and Gwoza LGAs, Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are now likely ongoing and expected to continue until the harvest. This is primarily due to households being displaced from these areas multiple times and having limited ability to engage in their typical livelihood activities to earn income for food purchases. Moreover, in these areas, the high food prices are further restricting food access for many.
Available evidence from those who recently left hard-to-reach areas suggests high levels of malnutrition. Consequently, most households in the area are in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes.
• Northwest and Central states have experienced an increase in the level of conflict, particularly armed banditry and kidnapping in addition to flooding. This is driving a new wave of displacement and disruption to household engagement in livelihood activities. According to IOM, over 20,000 were displaced between late July and mid-August in the Northwest and North-Central States. Stressed (IPC Phase 2) and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected to persist across most parts of the region. Some households worst affected by conflict and remain inaccessible are likely experiencing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) outcomes.
• The 2021 rainy season is ongoing with weeding and planting of legumes in the northern region and early harvest of maize, yams, groundnuts, and potatoes in areas of the southern and central states. The level of crop production is still expected to be below average nationally given the high cost of input such as improved seeds, herbicides, and fertilizers, in addition to insecurity. Households engaged in agriculture-based labor earn below-average wages due to increased competition from the oversupply of labor, constraining income.