FAO and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives join forces to boost agriculture and food security in northeastern Nigeria

Dubai/Cairo/Accra, 23 February 2023 -- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have teamed up to enhance food and nutrition security of conflict-affected internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities in in northeastern Nigeria.

The ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria continues to drive alarming levels of food insecurity and malnutrition in the country, exacerbating vulnerabilities, particularly in the three most affected states – Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, where according to the latest Cadre Harmonisé analysis (November 2022), nearly 4.4 million people are projected to be in high acute food insecurity during the lean season (June – August 2023). Conflict in the region and climate change has led to the displacement of 2.2 million men, women and children.

Thanks to the MBRGI funding, FAO will directly support 58 000 people in crisis and emergency phases of food insecurity in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, with agricultural input packages and training on agricultural practices and climate-smart innovation technologies to enhance the productivity of their crops and livestock.

The project will support the establishment of agricultural field schools and work with experts to improve crop productivity for 4 000 families during the rainy season, producing nutritious grains and vegetables for 2 000 families in the dry season. The project will also support vegetable production for 2 000 families in urban and peri-urban areas, provide livestock and fodder for 200 women, and provide poultry, goats and fodder for 200 conflict-affected and vulnerable households.

“We are focused on building strategic partnerships with organizations that prioritize community empowerment and humanitarian aid” said Sara Al Nuaimi, Director of MBRGI. “Our partnership with FAO will enable us to work on integrated projects that help farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices, mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure food security,” Al Nuaimi added.

“Agriculture assistance is life-saving humanitarian aid,” said Rein Paulsen, Director of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience in FAO. “Urgent, time-sensitive agricultural interventions, have enormous impacts on food availability, nutrition, and displacement, among others, significantly cutting other humanitarian costs,” added Paulsen.

Immediate intervention is required in northeastern Nigeria to assist affected people. Agriculture-based livelihoods assistance responds to this crisis by strengthening food security resilience, supporting at-risk rural communities, and empowering women with livestock and agricultural training programs to improve their livelihood.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives

Established in 2015, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives combines under its umbrella over tens of humanitarian and developmental initiatives and entities launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It operates its support across five pillars – Humanitarian Aid and Relief, Healthcare and Disease Control, Spreading Education and Knowledge, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Empowering Communities.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.