NIGERIA’S WORSENING MALNUTRITION

The prevalence of inflation in Nigeria is causing a problematic tear in the nutritional development of the average child. While inflation reflects economic instability and rising living costs, childhood malnutrition reflects a more dire form of deprivation, one that threatens the health and prospects of the nation’s youngest citizens. Examining the relationship between Nigeria’s inflation and childhood malnutrition unveils the profound impact of economic factors on the well-being of its most vulnerable population.

In recent years, Nigeria has faced significant economic challenges, including high inflation rates that have eroded the purchasing power of its citizens. The devaluation of the naira, rising food prices, and other essential commodities have exacerbated the financial strain on households, particularly those living below the poverty line. As families struggle to afford nutritious food and necessities, the prevalence of childhood malnutrition has surged, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, substandard options and poor health outcomes. Parents and guardians have little to no options but to substitute infant essentials for less costly and less effective alternatives. Meal formulas crucial for infant development are now out of reach for many Nigerian families, and previously readily available substitutes, like soybeans and millet, are brutally expensive.

Malnutrition among children in Nigeria manifests in various forms, including stunting and micronutrient deficiencies. According to a factsheet released by UNICEF in 2022, in Nigeria, approximately 37% of children under the age of five experience stunted growth and 45% of all deaths of children under the age of five are caused by malnutrition. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the root causes of malnutrition and alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerian children.

The relationship between inflation and childhood malnutrition is multifaceted, driven by economic, social, and environmental factors. As inflation erodes household incomes and limits access to affordable, nutritious food, families are forced to resort to inferior options, often at the expense of adequate nutrition for their children. Inflation-induced poverty exacerbates food insecurity and limits access to essential healthcare services, further compromising children’s health and development.

Moreover, the impact of inflation on food prices disproportionately affects marginalised communities, exacerbating existing disparities in access to nutritious food and healthcare. Rural populations, in particular, face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare services and healthy food due to limited infrastructure, inadequate social services, and geographical isolation. As a result, children living in rural areas are disproportionately affected by malnutrition, perpetuating intergenerational cycles of poverty and poor health.

Addressing the intertwined challenges of inflation and childhood malnutrition requires a comprehensive and multisectoral approach that addresses the underlying drivers of both issues. Efforts to mitigate inflationary pressures and stabilise the economy must be complemented by targeted interventions to improve access to nutritious food, healthcare, and social services for vulnerable populations, particularly children and their families.

International organisations such as UNICEF, Action Contre la Faim, and Action Against Hunger have been running intervention programs in Nigeria to help mitigate malnutrition among children. The Nigerian government has tried to combat the situation by ensuring general access to essentials by fielding market price regulation ideas and partnering with farmer initiatives to boost the agricultural sector. However, the impact of these interventions remains contested. Investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and social protection programs are essential to enhance food security, increase household incomes, and strengthen resilience to economic shocks. Furthermore, community-based nutrition programs are essential for addressing the immediate needs of malnourished children and preventing long-term health consequences.

The relationship between Nigeria’s inflation and childhood malnutrition underscores the interconnectedness of economic and health outcomes and the need for coordinated action to address the root causes of both issues. By prioritising investments in nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions, Nigeria can mitigate the impact of inflation on childhood malnutrition and ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.