Nigeria has the highest number of people facing crisis level food insecurity in Africa with 36.3 million individuals, according to the July 2026 Food Security Monitor by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.
The report covering 17 countries in Africa shows that 16.7 percent of Nigeria’s population is experiencing food insecurity at crisis level and higher.
The News Chronicle reports that insecurity, displacement, weak purchasing power and disruptions to farming and food distribution continue to worsen access to food in several parts of the country.
South Sudan recorded the highest proportion of its population affected at 55 percent, representing 7.8 million people. Kenya followed with 4.1 million, while Malawi and Mozambique recorded four million and 3.5 million respectively.
Some food prices in Nigeria dropped slightly in July, with maize and rice recording a decrease of 4.1 percent and 0.3 percent respectively, while millet and sorghum prices climbed by 2.8 percent and 5.8 percent.
Compared to the same period last year, maize, millet and sorghum prices were lower, except for milled rice which was 8.3 percent higher.
AGRA warned that rising fuel and fertilizer prices, together with climatic shocks, will exacerbate food insecurity in Nigeria as input costs for food production will likely increase.
