War in the Middle East linked to rising child malnutrition in Africa

Health workers in northern Nigeria say more children are relapsing into malnutrition and cite knock-on effects from the war in the Middle East.

Maryam Aminu's 18-month-old child was diagnosed with malnutrition for the second time in April, a situation health workers in northern Nigeria attribute to the knock-on effects of the war in the Middle East. The conflict has led to a shortage of wheat and other grains, causing prices to skyrocket, with a 50-kilogram bag of wheat flour now costing 20,000 naira, up from 10,000 naira last year. Health workers in the region report a significant increase in relapse cases, with over 100 children diagnosed with malnutrition in the past quarter. The Sokoto State Government has allocated 500 million naira to tackle the crisis.

The rising cost of wheat flour, a staple ingredient in many African households, directly affects the price of bread, a common food item. As a result, the average cost of a loaf of bread has increased by 30%, making it harder for low-income families to afford. This price hike has a significant impact on households that rely on bread as a primary source of nutrition. The increased cost of living is likely to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly.

The war in the Middle East has disrupted global food supply chains, leading to shortages and price increases in Africa. Historically, the region has been vulnerable to external shocks, with the 2011 Arab Spring leading to a similar food price crisis. Insiders know that the current crisis is exacerbated by Africa's reliance on imported grains, with over 50% of wheat consumed in Nigeria being imported from countries like Russia and Ukraine. The African Union has been working to increase regional food production, but progress has been slow.

The Nigerian government is set to review its food security strategy in the coming weeks, with a focus on increasing local grain production and reducing reliance on imports. A key decision will be made on June 15, when the government will announce its budget allocation for agriculture. Surprisingly, some experts believe that the crisis could have a silver lining, as it may accelerate the development of Africa's own food production capabilities, with companies like Dangote Group investing heavily in local grain production, potentially reducing the region's reliance on imports in the long term.