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Food or Farming Equipment? Achieving Zero Hunger in Nigeria 

Hunger in Nigeria
With a population of 213 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, but it suffers from uneven development and rapid population growth. An overwhelming 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, most of whom live in the northeast region. In this region alone, 8.4 million people are food insecure. With an array of fresh crises and so many mouths to feed, solutions are essential to stop Nigeria from falling further into this hunger crisis in Nigeria.

The Hunger Crisis in Nigeria

The northeast of Nigeria has been facing a humanitarian crisis for over a decade. In 2023, access to food is under threat due to increasing costs, armed violence and banditry specifically targeted at farmers. The increase in refugees in the region, mainly from Cameroon, has worsened this crisis. As of July 2023, Nigeria registered 87,228 refugees from Cameroon, who fled conflict in their country. Nigeria has displayed inspiring dedication to humanitarian goals by welcoming the refugees and allowing them to work in their country, but it does make their struggles for zero hunger a more dire situation.

The Importance of Farming in Nigeria

Perhaps surprisingly considering the crisis, estimates have indicated that more than 70% of Nigerians work in agriculture. The Nigerian economy is therefore closely tied to agriculture, as are many Nigerian livelihoods.

The solution to the hunger crisis is therefore more complex than increasing food importation. According to Adeole Akinola, a specialist in the region, reliance on imports would “incapacitate those rural dwellers that rely on the sale of their farm products.”

Why the Farming Industry is Not More Developed

Despite its clear cultural and economic importance, agriculture remains underdeveloped in Nigeria. Smallholders produce 90% of the food consumed in the country. These small-scale farmers often lack the machinery to optimize their yield and suffer attacks due to security issues.

The main reason why farming has remained in these precarious conditions and not developed into a larger industry is because of governmental focus. For most of the 20th century, the government believed that oil would provide the bulk of Nigeria’s GDP, leading to the neglect of other sectors.

As of today, the oil industry accounts for somewhere between 6% to 9% of Nigerian GDP. Agriculture accounts for more than 22%.

How Aid Can Eliminate Hunger in Nigeria

The obstacles to zero hunger in northeast Nigeria have not gone unnoticed in the global community. The U.K. has provided £38 million in aid, which has gone toward providing humanitarian assistance. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly states that the aid is “saving lives” and adds that “the international community must support these efforts.”

Food security is at its lowest between June and August when there is no harvest. In August 2023 alone, the World Food Programme (WFP) gave 9,932 new refugees emergency food provisions in the northeast region. However, WFP recognizes that the crisis will only persist, and has requested an urgent $152 million USD – even as the new harvest comes into effect – to continue to keep the situation under control.

In the meantime, there is a clear market.

Zero hunger will not occur with the current state of the Nigerian agricultural industry. Nigerian farmers need more security, as well as better equipment to increase their yield. The International Trade Administration recognizes that Nigeria is “a big window of opportunity for suppliers of agricultural equipment.”

Empowering Nigerian farmers seems to be the best way towards zero hunger and a solution beneficial to all.

– Luke Gouldson
Photo: Pixabay

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5 INITIATIVES EMPOWERING WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Empowering Women in NigeriaNigeria, a vibrant nation in West Africa, boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history and natural resources. However, amidst its diverse tapestry lies the persistent challenge of poverty, which continues to affect a significant portion of its population. A particularly concerning aspect is the impact of poverty on Nigerian women, who constitute 60% of the people living in extreme poverty and face entrenched barriers in their pursuit of economic and social empowerment. For this reason, across the nation, several organizations are centering efforts around driving progress by empowering women in Nigeria and their communities.

Women’s World Banking

Nigeria faces a significant financial inclusion gender gap, as only 35% of women and 55% of men in the country have access to financial services. Organizations like Women’s World Banking are at the forefront, implementing strategies to drive savings mobilization, leverage remittances for increased access, provide capital to women-owned enterprises and support resilience through insurance. With the help of Women’s World Banking efforts in Nigeria, the country has achieved a historic milestone with women holding the position of Chief Executive Officer in eight out of its 24 commercial banks in 2022. As women gain access to credit, savings and insurance products, they are better equipped to start businesses and improve their households’ economic stability.

Global Initiative for Girls’ Rights Education and Empowerment

Since its foundation in 2019, this NGO has been regularly implementing projects to promote education for Nigerian women and raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management. The organization’s achievements include empowering 100 rural women in Benue with skills in leadership, accounting and artisanal capabilities to improve their economic status and participation in decision-making in their homes and community.

The African Women Power Network

Through various initiatives such as pitch competitions for young entrepreneurs, agribusiness training for women farmers and the DREAM Initiative to help secondary school students develop business plans, the Association for Women in Business has become a leading platform for African women entrepreneurs, facilitating their business success and growth. Aiming to empower African women entrepreneurs by providing them with training and support, with a particular focus on technology, this organization envisions sustainable change through women empowerment.

Give Girls A Chance

This non-profit organization is dedicated to bridging the educational gap between men and women by addressing barriers such as limited access, low awareness of the significance of education and inadequate infrastructure in educational institutions. Their approach involves community and family engagement, providing need-based scholarships and offering mentorship programs. As of 2020, Give Girls A Chance has impacted the lives of more than 100 girls and young women through scholarships, enabling them to either return to or continue their education. Moreover, the organization has connected these beneficiaries with mentors who invest their time in nurturing their psychosocial well-being, fostering a supportive environment for their personal and educational growth.

The Nigerian Women Trust Fund

The proportion of women in elective and professional positions in Nigeria is currently at 4.8%. By 2027, the organization wants to realize the goal of achieving 35% female representation. Through endorsements, the creation of a database of high-profile female candidates and fundraising to support female political campaigns in Nigeria, they seek to achieve this valuable target. Further successful campaigns include the training of 100 Nigerian women in their mentorship program to foster female leadership and the end of violence against Women and Girls.

Looking Ahead

Empowering women in Nigeria is a powerful strategy in the battle against poverty. By increasing access to financial services, enhancing education opportunities, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and strengthening women’s leadership, these initiatives pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for Nigeria. As women rise to their full potential, they become a driving force for sustainable development, lifting themselves and their communities out of poverty.

– Miriam Schuller
Photo: rawpixel

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4 Ways Blockchain Technology Aids Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Poverty Alleviation in NigeriaWith approximately 4 in 10 Nigerians living below the national poverty line, the “Giant of Africa” needs effective strategies to tackle these alarming rates and promote inclusive growth. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, innovative solutions empower impoverished communities. Blockchain technology offers the potential to be one technological game-changer in the process of achieving poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

What is Blockchain technology?

Blockchain technology is a decentralized digital ledger that securely records transactions across multiple computers. It operates on a peer-to-peer network, where each transaction, or “block,” is linked to the previous one, forming an immutable chain. This technology ensures transparency, security and trust as all participants in the network have access to the same information, eliminating the need for intermediaries and enhancing efficiency.

4 Ways Blockchain Technology Helps Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

  1. Advancements in Financial Inclusion: Initiatives such as “Project GIANT” by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aim to leverage blockchain technology to enhance financial inclusion in the country. Under Project GIANT, the CBN has partnered with financial institutions and technology companies to develop a blockchain-based solution for Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. KYC is a crucial process for accessing financial services, but it can be challenging for individuals in underserved areas who lack formal identification documents. By utilizing blockchain technology, Project GIANT enables individuals to create and manage their digital identities securely fostering sustainable change for poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
  2. Transparent Governance and Anti-Corruption Efforts: By implementing blockchain-based systems for public service delivery, procurement processes and records management, Nigeria can increase transparency and reduce corruption. This ultimately allows for an efficient utilization of public resources and poverty alleviation in Nigeria. One successful example is the “Abuja Electronic Government Records and Document Management System” (E-Records System) implemented by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA. Through the E-Records System, government agencies in Abuja can securely store and manage various types of documents, including land titles, property records, permits, licenses and official correspondences. The decentralized nature of blockchain ensures that no single entity can manipulate or falsify records, reducing the potential for corrupt practices.
  3. Secure and Transparent Social Programs: Using Blockchain’s transparency and tamper-resistant features, Nigeria can guarantee that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries, minimizing leakages and improving the effectiveness of poverty alleviation in Nigeria. The “Building Blocks” initiative by the World Food Programme (WFP) was piloted in collaboration with the government of Nigeria and focused on providing food assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by conflict. WFP currently distributes food and money (including mobile-phone-based transfers) to 1.2 million people each month in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno. They profited off blockchain technology to improve the delivery of food assistance by enhancing transparency, reducing fraud and ensuring aid reached the intended beneficiaries.
  4. Access to Funding and Investments: Blockchain-based crowdfunding and tokenization platforms can democratize access to funding and investments. Entrepreneurs, including those in underserved areas, can showcase their ideas and projects to a global pool of investors, potentially attracting financial support for business ventures that can generate employment and economic growth. One notable example is the Nigerian “Farmcrowdy” platform that connects small-scale farmers with investors through a blockchain-based crowdfunding model. The platform enables individuals to invest in various agricultural projects, such as poultry, crop farming and fish farming, by providing funds for inputs, equipment and other farming needs. The impact on poverty alleviation in Nigeria has been significant, with farmers’ incomes increasing by an average of 50% per hectare in two years after registration and 500,000 new jobs in the areas of processing, transport and warehousing and cooling.

A Positive Impact

Overall, Blockchain technology presents a transformative opportunity for Nigeria to alleviate poverty and achieve sustainable development. It’s a promise of progress that can boost the Nigerian economy by $29 billion by 2030. While it continues to evolve and demonstrate its potential, its impact on Nigeria’s development and poverty alleviation efforts can inspire other nations to explore and adopt similar solutions tailored to their specific contexts and challenges.

– Miriam Schuller
Photo: Pixabay

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How 3D Printing is Transforming Sub-Saharan Africa

3D PrintingFor many, having a place to call home is something we’ve known since birth, but the reality is that there are many regions around the world that do not have this luxury. In Nigeria, for example, the housing crisis has been one of the major concerns when discussing poverty in this country. It’s estimated that in Nigeria alone there is a shortfall of 17 million housing units. Unfortunately, Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing cities with a relocation of 40,000 every day. With such a high amount of relocation, this is far exceeding the housing units that can be provided for every person. However, there is hope, with 3D printing.

3D Printing

Though it is a relatively new technology, 3D printing has made a difference. Beginning with designing a model on a computer, designers begin “printing” the materials, usually using concrete, to place over a built foundation. Often referred to as additive manufacturing, the whole process essentially starts from scratch laying down thin layers of various materials in liquid/powder form to fuse together. In this case with house building, the 3D printers used are much larger than regular printers as they extrude concrete and/or other materials to build up the 3D model.

Africa’s Urbanization

Because of the lack of development in the house-building industry, the country has been forced to figure out other streamlined methods for these housing structures. The company 14Trees began these operations in Kenya Kalaw, with construction finished at about 12 hours and just under $10,000.

Aside from the lower costs, 3D printing has reduced carbon emissions by 70% compared to traditional building techniques. This is a plus because, in recent years, Africa has suffered tremendously from rapid urbanization. The peak began in 2015 when an estimated 50% of Africa’s population was living in one of 7,627 urban agglomerations. Though this will not reverse all the damage that has already been caused by these agglomerations, 3D printing will help to plan wider access to transportation and more importantly an increase in housing density.

14Trees’ Work in Africa

This group has helped to build more than just residential homes — 14Trees provided a school building for the capital city of Malawi. The managing director of the CDC in Africa, Tenbite Ermiasa, described 14Trees as “cutting-edge technology is going to have a tremendous developmental impact on Malawi and the wider region.” Given the housing crisis, remaining as cost-effective as possible was one of the main draws to incorporating 3D printing. It promises to cut down costs and time by around 15%. With 100 million homeless people today, 14Trees’ project is mostly centered around the construction of single-family housing.

Hope for the People of Africa

3D printing, though it is an advanced technology, is not enough on its own to solve the crisis — it needs workers to help operate it. In addition to helping house millions of citizens in Africa, the 14Trees project also comes with thousands of positions available for full-time employment. Losing jobs is a common fear when integrating new technology, especially with so many bricklayers who rely on their work to survive. However, 14Trees believes it can create more jobs than it might eliminate. Additionally, 14Trees has given the CDC their word that, for employment, they will only be working with skilled job creation for hiring and upskilling locals in job titles such as 3D machine operator to material specialists.

As with any innovative idea, there are benefits and doubts, yet the goal remains the same. In the midst of the housing crisis, countries may benefit from taking a chance on the emerging technologies of the future.

– Isabella Polo
Photo: Flickr

How Organizations are Aiding the Health care System in Nigeria

Health care System in NigeriaNigeria is a country with over 200 million people and is also the most populous country in Africa. This large population is putting so much pressure on the health care system. According to a 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) survey, the health care system in Nigeria ranked “the 4th worst in the world.”

The Condition of the Health Care System in Nigeria

On average, doctors attend to several patients daily, with an official ratio of one doctor to 5,000 patients. Despite this fact, a lot of doctors are still leaving. This high workload has led to a significant impact on the mental health of doctors. Mental, emotional and physical exhaustion as a result of prolonged stress is a common issue among doctors worldwide, with about 40% to 50% of doctors experiencing this in the United States. In comparison, more than 75% of doctors experience have this problem in Nigeria. Causes of this psychological stress have been linked to increased patient demand, long working hours, loss of life balance, inadequate salaries and poor working environments.

Reportedly, a high percentage of doctors have left the country because of the poor infrastructure and welfare conditions they experienced. Despite the strike and protest from doctors regarding the situation, there have been little to no desired responses or actions from the concerned bodies. Rather than finding ways of resolving the issue, lawmakers are proposing to stop the migration of Nigerian-trained doctors.

Initiatives that Focus on Improving the Health Care System in Nigeria

Although the health care system in Nigeria is poor, a number of organizations are making efforts to improve the current conditions. Intrahealth, alongside Capacity Plus Initiative and USAID collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners to assist in the distribution of health workers through human resource intervention to areas that require their services.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has also partnered with the Nigerian Government to improve health care. The organization achieved this by investing in programs that assist maternal and child health alongside immunization and pre and post-natal care.

The Northern part of Nigeria is the worst hit in terms of deteriorating health care and poverty. In 2022, three Northern states (Adamawa, Borno and Yobe) in Nigeria had more than 8 million people that needed humanitarian aid. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed strategies that aim to save millions of lives by rendering emergency health services to the most vulnerable people and locations with no health facilities.

WHO is working to achieve its goals by improving disease surveillance systems, providing nutrition, immunization and protection from gender-based violence. So far, WHO has been able to support more than 1 million people in Nigeria.

Government Efforts

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Health is working to bridge the gap for health workers by embarking on a “one-on-one replacement.” This means that for every doctor who travels out, the government will employ another one as a replacement. In light of this, the Nigerian government is making efforts to organize internship and residency programs. It is also trying to ensure that doctors who have traveled for more than 10 years give back to the community through virtual training and other initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Efforts are underway to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s health care system. Organizations like Intrahealth, Capacity Plus Initiative and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are collaborating with the government to improve health care infrastructure and services, particularly in underserved areas. WHO is also working to provide emergency health services and support vulnerable populations. Additionally, the Nigerian government is implementing initiatives to bridge the gap in health workers and promote knowledge sharing. These collective efforts bring hope for a stronger and more resilient health care system in Nigeria.

– Chidinma Nwoha
Photo: Pixabay

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Hunger Crisis in Nigeria

Hunger Crisis in NigeriaNigeria, a multiethnic country with more than 200 million people, has one of the largest youth populations globally. However, severe malnutrition and starvation are prevalent due to hunger and famine. Food insecurity in Nigeria increases the risk of malnutrition, stunted growth and developmental problems in children. Even more, poor nutrition and lack of access to primary health care have led to higher rates of infectious diseases.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that approximately 25 million Nigerians are experiencing a hunger epidemic. The ongoing conflict in northeastern Nigeria, alongside a population boom, has exceeded the capacity for food production and economic development. The northeast region of Nigeria relies on agriculture and subsistence farming. Nonetheless, they face difficulties in harvesting their crops due to several factors.

Climate Crisis

Severe climate conditions have negatively impacted Nigeria’s food supply chain. Nigeria experiences intense and erratic rainfall, which is a recurring problem. In 2022, flooding damaged approximately 676,000 acres of agricultural land, contributing to rising levels of hunger and malnutrition, per the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Food production and agriculture have declined due to flooding, landslides and soil erosion. With high food prices, the limited supply remains unaffordable for most individuals. Additionally, water pollution exacerbates the situation, posing a threat to the environment and the health of local populations.

Armed Conflict and Violence

In Nigeria’s northeast, security concerns have resulted in violence between farming communities and herders, causing significant disruptions to the local food supply. The conflict and drought have prevented many farmers from growing crops, making it challenging for Nigerians to make ends meet and further straining the economy.

Gender Inequality

Gender inequality is a contributing factor to food insecurity in Nigeria. Women lack access to necessary resources and services to provide food security for their families, increasing food insecurity. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reducing gender disparities would lead to higher economic growth, more efficient economic operations and a more stable economic environment.

Poverty

Poverty in Nigeria is primarily due to unemployment. The lack of job opportunities leaves many individuals without the means to support themselves and their families. Additionally, the deficient education system exacerbates the issue of the hunger epidemic threatening Nigerians.

Corruption at governmental levels has prevented investment in job creation and education initiatives, thereby worsening the poverty problem. This has resulted in stagnant economic growth and an increased income gap between the rich and the poor. The financial crisis has caused a decline in living standards for Nigerians.

Current Efforts and Solutions

Through its Nutrition & Health Programs, Action Against Hunger managed to reach 1.8 million people. Using its innovative program, “Porridge Moms,” homeless women and refugees learned how to prepare nutritious meals for their children, thereby preventing malnutrition. As part of the effort to prevent and treat malnutrition, approximately 822,000 pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under 5 years of age got access to water, sanitation and hygiene programs.

The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has been actively implementing an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to prepare the country for natural hazards and climate risks. Furthermore, the ESMP has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental management and aimed to achieve greater ecological compliance.

As a result of the ESMP, agricultural lands previously degraded have been restored for agricultural purposes, leading to increased productivity and reduced hunger. Despite the negative impacts of climate change on farming land, vegetation and forests, the restoration process has led to the introduction of innovative employment methods.

Food vouchers and cash transfers are part of Save the Children’s support program to help families recover and settle. Several food system exchanges have been initiated by the Nigerian government in order to maintain weather information on a timely basis. Furthermore, the government aims to implement the Social Protection Law to identify and assist disaster victims.

What’s Next?

Initiatives that aid vulnerable populations improve market access and subsidize agriculture could accelerate progress in the fight against food insecurity in Nigeria. Additionally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices carry the potential to increase food production and reduce hunger.

– Simran Raghav
Photo: Flickr

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Resource Curse Exacerbates Poverty in Nigeria

paradox-of-wealth-how-the-resource-curse-exacerbates-poverty-in-nigeriaNigeria is the sixth largest exporter of oil and possesses the largest oil reserves in Africa. Given such a wealth of natural resources, on the surface, it can be difficult to comprehend how Nigeria’s resource curse exacerbates poverty an also has the largest population of extreme poor in Africa, with 70 million people living on less than $1.90 a day. Nigeria is a prime example of a natural resource-dependent economy having what is known as the “resource curse,” where orienting economies around plentiful natural resources can lead to more poverty, unemployment and corruption over time. The effects of the resource curse are apparent in Nigeria. However, the country can implement policies to end the resource curse and broaden opportunities to reduce poverty and encourage socioeconomic development.

The Resource Curse is a Gravely Inefficient System

A major impact is the lack of economic returns relative to the financial resources invested into the oil sector. In 2020, oil accounted for 90% of Nigeria’s export earnings and consisted of 1/3 of the country’s annual revenue, however, it only contributed to 9% of GDP growth.

Such economic inefficiency, along with the appeal of fast money, underscores how Nigeria’s resource curse leads the government to neglect other economic sectors such as infrastructure, industry, science/technology, services and agriculture. Such neglect of these sectors depresses opportunity and exacerbates poverty, seen in Nigeria’s unemployment rate of 9.8% and per capita income at $2,085 as of 2021.

Nigeria also ranks 150 out of 157 countries in the World Bank’s 2020 Human Capital index, indicating a lack of adequate living standards from poor opportunities in education and healthcare to ensure a productive labor force. These indicators of poverty relate to the neglect of other industries that come from the resource curse and the lack of economic diversification to provide adequate socioeconomic opportunities for Nigerians to escape poverty.

Nigeria’s resource curse has also made it acutely vulnerable to global price fluctuations in the oil market, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oil prices for Nigerian exports collapsed by 60% between February and May 2020 alone, threatening half of the government’s revenue source during this period.

The vulnerability to global price fluctuations underscores how reliance on the oil sector alone can make economic growth from it particularly fragile. Also, how relatively small returns in economic growth from huge investments seen in export percentages can create an inefficient economic system.

The Atmosphere of Corruption Encouraged By Resource Curse

Nigeria’s resource curse also encourages rampant government corruption where oil revenues and ownership of reserves are used as a vehicle for patronage to win elections. This denies Nigerians access to oil revenues to develop the economy and create better socioeconomic opportunities, because revenue is not invested back into national development.

Nigeria’s tax revenue to GDP ratio is significantly less at 6% than the average African country at 17%. This lack of financial return from oil revenues is largely due to corruption. Oil revenues become used to entrench patronage and cronyism rather than investing in the development of other economic sectors to reduce poverty for Nigerians.

Other Important Economic Sectors Become Neglected Stifling Development

Another major impact is the lack of economic diversification essential for creating opportunity and reducing poverty. Nigeria ranks 45 out of 76 in the Observatory of Economic Complexity ranking in service exports, a trade data research firm measuring indicators of trade development for services such as financial, business and computer and technology services.

This ranking indicates that in measures of more advanced industries, Nigeria has fallen behind due to dependence on the oil industry. The agricultural industry is another field that Nigeria’s resource curse neglected.

Agriculture

Although 36% of Nigeria’s workforce is employed in agriculture, it accounted for less than 2% of exports in 2019. The neglect of the agricultural sector has had a major impact on poverty in Nigeria. The country, despite such high levels of employment in the industry, imported $689.7 billion more in food than it exported in 2019. This attributes to lack of modern agricultural techniques, poor infrastructure and recent violence from terror groups such as Boko Haram disrupting agricultural production.

The neglect of the agricultural industry and subsequent dependence on imports, place Nigerians at heightened risk of slipping deeper into poverty. This is because skyrocketing demand for food imports in Nigeria has contributed to a rise in food inflation, standing at 18.4% as of May 2022 as domestic agriculture has struggled to satisfy demand.

Infrastructure

The neglect of infrastructure is another example of exacerbating poverty. Poor roads obstructing the transportation of crops from farm to market and dependence on imports have led to 21.4% of Nigerians experiencing food insecurity, while 45% of Nigerians lack access to electricity.

This lack of access to critical infrastructure is due to the vast majority of government resources going to the oil industry, placing Nigeria at a large infrastructure deficit as it accounts for 30% of GDP, well short of the 70% average goal set by the World Bank. This results in serious impediments to commercial activity within the country, stifling economic growth and depressing socioeconomic opportunities for Nigerians.

Such statistics show how Nigeria’s dependency on oil exports have led to overall less economic development in other important economic sectors, contributing to the extent of its poverty.

Nigeria’s resource curse as in other natural resource-dependent economies stems from the lack of economic diversification it causes. Focusing on developing the agricultural and infrastructure sectors could reduce dependence on oil and create more socioeconomic opportunities for Nigerians that could reduce poverty.

Investments in human capital could also go a long way to improving Nigeria’s Human Capital Index ranking and cultivating a workforce equipped with the tools to achieve higher living standards and more socioeconomic prosperity for the benefit of Nigerians and the country as a whole.

– John Zak
Photo: Unsplash
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Push Africa Lobbies Government to Focus on Poverty

push-africa-lobbies-government-to-focus-on-povertyPush Africa is an NGO dedicated to reducing poverty throughout Africa by lobbying for policy change and encouraging community growth. It has most recently launched campaigns in the cities of Borno and Yobe to bring awareness to worsening poverty throughout Nigeria and inspire change in elected officials.

Worsening Poverty in Nigeria

Unemployment in Nigeria increased from 27.1% to 33% between the second quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. As of 2022, as many as four in 10 Nigerians live below the national poverty line.

In its 2022 assessment of poverty in Nigeria, the World Bank found that the country needs “deep structural reforms” to lift Nigerians out of poverty. The effects of the changing climate, conflict and COVID-19 further impacted the effects of poverty. Conflict alone has displaced over 3 million Nigerians, as the insurgency has continued for well over a decade, according to The Sun News.

The World Bank assessment notes that many jobs are not sufficiently productive, as only 17% of Nigerians hold, “the wage jobs best able to lift people out of poverty.” It states that Nigeria needs serious policy reform to create productive jobs and social programs. The three main recommendations are large-scale economic reform, policy to assist in making household enterprises profitable, and increasing general access to basic necessities like water and sanitation while also improving various technologies.

Push Africa

Push Africa describes itself as a “Pan-African non-governmental organization with the aim to reduce poverty and unemployment in Nigeria and in neighboring West Africa states by promoting entrepreneurship, skill acquisition and agricultural development programs amongst women and youth.”

Its ultimate goal is to entirely rid Africa of poverty by the year 2050. It has a number of objectives through which it hopes to achieve this. Among these objectives are promoting cluster farming, encouraging bilateral trade and tourism among African states and building local “response mechanisms” for crises.

Initiative in Borno and Yobe

In July 2022, Push Africa launched its newest initiative in the Nigerian cities of Borno and Yobe. The campaign hopes to increase anti-poverty policies and initiatives both among those seeking elected offices and development agencies and private institutions, The Sun News reports.

With Nigerian elections set to take place next year, now is a poignant time to hold elected representatives accountable and encourage them to take on anti-poverty as part of their platform, according to Development Diaries.

The organization has tagged its initiative “do-one-thing” and is using the platform to highlight the stories of those that poverty affected.

Convener of Push Africa, Doris Egberamen, explained in the press conference announcing the initiative. “This is to show the depth and harsh realities they live with. The projection is that by exposing the vulnerable conditions in which they live, the nation’s elected and appointed leaders will be encouraged to take serious and actionable steps towards solving the problem,” she explained to The Sun News.

Push Africa is an organization with the goal of eradicating poverty throughout Africa. Its most recent initiative to do so uses the stories of real people to encourage the political class and the private sector to put more of its focus on reducing the worsening poverty throughout Nigeria.

–Eleanor Corbin

Photo: Flickr

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The Cece Yara Foundation Fights Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria

Child Sexual Abuse in NigeriaChild sexual abuse in Nigeria is rampant and as high as one in four girls and one in 10 boys. Cece Yara is an organization dedicated to preventing and ending the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The words, Cece Yara, are from the Hausa language which means “save the child” and truly encompasses the mission of the foundation.

The Mission

The Cece Yara Foundation is an NGO with a mission to prevent the sexual abuse of children and provide emergency assistance and care. Bola Tinubu, a child activist and lawyer, founded the organization and she believes in protecting the safety of all children. The Foundation works in coordination with counselors, law enforcement and educators to ensure that every child lives with innocence and safety throughout their life.

Child sexual abuse is still a silent issue in Nigeria and there are many myths surrounding it. The Foundation also works to correct these myths and educate the public on how rampant the sexual abuse of children actually is. The organization believes that educating adults is the first step in preventing this abuse. Cece Yara ensures that every adult in a child’s life is aware of the signs of sexual abuse in a child and how to prevent it or even intervene.

Cece Yara also provides counseling services and a child forensic interview. The interview is a structured conversation between a counselor and a child to teach the child how to recount an incident of sexual abuse. Many children are afraid to come forward about abuse either because they are ashamed or confused. The forensic interview allows them to feel safe enough to get the help they desperately need.

Nigeria’s First Child Helpline

The Cece Yara Foundation has recently implemented the first child helpline in Nigeria. The helpline is available 24 hours a day and has professionals, trained on how to talk to children, answering the line. There are two lines; Cece Yara offers one free for children and the other paid for adults. This line serves to provide immediate help and assistance to a Nigerian child suffering from sexual abuse.

Child Abuse and Poverty

Children in developing nations are more vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation compared to those living in high-income countries due to the stress associated with poor living conditions. Alleviating poverty can have a significant impact on the rate of child abuse in an impoverished region.

The Cece Yara Foundation has been able to help 2,000 children in Nigeria since its launch in 2016. It has had a tremendous impact on the lives of Nigerian children who have suffered or are suffering from sexual abuse. The Cece Yara Foundation is fighting for a future that is safe for the children of Nigeria.

– Olivia Halliburton
Photo: Pixabay

Poverty in Nigeria and ActionAid

Poverty in Nigeria
Nigeria is currently experiencing extreme global poverty. According to the World Poverty Clock, the poverty rate in Nigeria is 44.4 percent out of a population of about 198 million.

ActionAid Fights Poverty in Nigeria

As poverty continues to rise in Nigeria, there is definitely hope for a better future. ActionAid, a global humanitarian organization, is trying to eradicate poverty in Nigeria and continuing their service despite the growing statistics.

ActionAid in Nigeria seeks equal rights for all genders, social justice and fight the growing epidemic of poverty. It is hoping to create a world where Nigeria’s population doesn’t have to suffer anymore. They work with communities, social movements and the poor in order to provide aid needed in the country.

ActionAid’s Work in Nigeria

ActionAid’s programs involve health, education, food and agriculture, human security in conflict and emergencies, women’s rights and democratic governments. These projects are needed to ensure a better future in Nigeria.

ActionAid has been continuing their work in Nigeria, including their aid and assistance in 2018. According to Vanguard, in October 2018, ActionAid is finding ways to help displaced persons in Nigeria. It has donated about N3million toward relief materials. This donation will help many of those in the Abagena Internally Displaced Persons camp who have suffered the herdsmen crisis.

According to the ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Ene Obi, they “‘brought about 380 mattresses, 350 bags of rice, 436 packs of sanitary pads, 341 packs of diapers for babies, five sets of baby bath, five cartons of baby food and 436 packs of bar soaps for washing and personal hygiene use.'” These materials will help many who are currently displaced and are suffering poverty.

Women and Children in Nigeria

ActionAid also focuses on women and children. It has provided start-up kits to about 100 women in Nigeria. This organization provided assistance to many women in the Northeast in order to give them an opportunity to create and begin building small businesses.

According to Obi, the women are being trained to gain skills and knowledge to provide for their families by starting their own microbusinesses. Whether it’s tailoring, producing food or sewing, ActionAid is doing everything it can to make sure these women escape poverty and are able to provide food to their children.

Alleviating Poverty in Nigeria and Nonprofits

There are other organizations that are trying to end poverty in Nigeria. The MacArthur Foundation, for example, has been supporting organizations and work that has been done to eradicate inequality and the lack of education in the country. The foundation has been creating grants with the purpose of supporting higher education for girls.

The Youth Education and Leadership Initiative or YELI is an organization that wants to reduce education-related issues and challenges in Nigeria. Their goal and mission are to provide programs that enhance both primary and secondary education and help build effective leadership. This is to not only reduce poverty but also help build peace among the youth. These projects include providing the poor with small libraries, scholarships, seminars and even workshops.

Conclusion

ActionAid as well as other nonprofits are working to end poverty in Nigeria. Although poverty is becoming an increasing epidemic in the country, there is still hope for the people and the future.

– Charlene Frett

Photo: Flickr