Bill Gates: Nigeria Ranks Second Globally in Food Insecurity

Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has highlighted the alarming state of food insecurity in Nigeria, noting that the country now ranks second globally in this regard. In a recent interview with Lara Adejoro, Gates expressed deep concern over the worsening situation, attributing it largely to the impacts of climate change.

“Today, Nigeria has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the world, and climate change is only making the problem worse,” Gates stated. He explained that the effects of climate change have led to the disappearance of arable land, devastating pest infestations, and a steep rise in food prices.

Gates emphasized that climate-related agricultural losses in Africa are more than double the global average, with the poorest farmers suffering the most. These farmers face increasing challenges from droughts, pests, and diseases, which further aggravate food shortages and drive up prices for essential staples.

Looking ahead, Gates warned of the severe consequences if current trends continue. “By 2050, climate change will push nearly 40 million more children into stunting, on top of the 400 million children who already suffer from inadequate nutrition,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Gates offered a glimmer of hope, pointing out that innovation in agriculture is progressing rapidly. He shared his foundation’s vision of an agricultural transformation driven by smallholder farmers who are empowered with the necessary knowledge, tools, and technologies to enhance their livelihoods.

Gates also mentioned that his foundation is collaborating with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation to gain a deeper understanding of the climate-induced hunger crisis and to develop strategies to address it effectively.