The number of people suffering from hunger around the world is expected to double due to the economic shocks of the coronavirus pandemic.
This is according to the United Nations World Food Programme, as the agency and other partners released a new report on food crises around the world.
According to new projections, 265 million people could face acute food insecurity in 2020. That figure is up from 135 million people in 2019.
WFP says it is vital that food assistance programme be maintained,which offer a lifeline to almost 100 million vulnerable people globally.
According to the Global Report on Food Crises, the majority of people suffering acute food insecurity in 2019 were in ten countries affected by conflict, climate change and economic crises.
They include, Yemen, DR Congo, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
The situation in south sudan is particularly worrisome.
In Nigeria, Scarcity of food has driven up prices of the main staple food beyond the reach since lockdowns were announced in Lagos,Ogun and Abuja last month to tame the spread of the virus.
Several farmers said crops were rotting in the fields or at the depots waiting for trucks that never arrive.
Although food truck drivers are meant to be exempted from lockdown restrictions, many are afraid for their own safety, or fear they will be fined or arrested by overzealous police.
Nigeria’s Agriculture Minster, Muhammed Sabo Nanono had said the the government is taking steps to make sure farmers, millers and marketers could operate to cope with the pandemic.
