The Reality of Poverty and Insecurity in Nigeria
Imagine struggling to feed your family, fearing for your safety every day, and wondering if you'll ever have enough money to make ends meet. This is the harsh reality for millions of Nigerians grappling with the twin challenges of poverty and insecurity. In Nigeria, these twin scourges have cast a long shadow over the lives of millions, affecting their mental health and overall well-being.
The Impact of Economic Hardship and Inflation on Nigerian Families
As of 2024, approximately 37% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, translating to over 84 million people struggling to meet their basic needs. This economic hardship is compounded by soaring inflation rates, which reached a record high in 2024, making essential goods and services increasingly unaffordable.
Sleepless Nights: The Unending Horror of Banditry and Kidnappings in Nigeria
Meanwhile, the country is also grappling with a significant security crisis. Violence, kidnapping, and armed banditry have become pervasive in many regions, leaving communities living in fear and uncertainty. These security threats not only disrupt daily life but also hinder economic activity and limit access to essential services.
Natural Disasters and Agricultural Decline: A Threat to Nigeria’s Food Security in a Time of Desperation
To add to these challenges, Nigeria has also been plagued by devastating floods and droughts. These natural disasters have exacerbated food insecurity, displaced thousands of people, and further strained the economy. The devastating effects of these disasters are likely to have a significant impact on next year's food security, as agricultural production in key regions has been severely disrupted.
Northern Nigeria, a major agricultural hub, has been particularly hard hit by these disasters. States like Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Adamawa have experienced both flooding and drought, leading to significant losses in crops and livestock. These states contribute significantly to Nigeria's overall agricultural production, and their vulnerability to natural disasters poses a serious threat to the country's food security.
Building Resilience: Strategies for Overcoming Financial and Food Insecurity
Amidst these daunting circumstances, there is hope. By developing resilience, practicing financial discipline, and implementing carefully crafted strategies, individuals can navigate these difficulties and find strength in adversity.
Mental Health and the Triple Threat of Financial, Food, and Security Insecurities
The interconnected challenges of
financial insecurity, food insecurity, and security insecurities have a
profound impact on the mental health of Nigerians. These factors can interact
in complex ways, exacerbating each other's effects and creating a vicious cycle
of stress, anxiety, and despair.
Financial Insecurity
- Financial instability can cause chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to the constant worry about financial stability, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, as well as erode esteem and self-worth.
- According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals living in poverty are more likely to experience mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Food Insecurity
- Food insecurity is a severe issue that can lead to malnutrition, hunger, shame, and increased risk of mental health disorders.
- It can result from lack of access to nutritious food, leading to physical weakness and negative mental health impacts.
- Additionally, it can cause feelings of vulnerability and insecurity, as individuals may feel unable to provide for themselves and their families.
Security Insecurities
- Living in constant fear of banditry and kidnappings can significantly impact mental health, leading to fear, anxiety, trauma, and displacement.
- The fear of being a victim can cause constant anxiety, while exposure to violence can result in long-lasting psychological effects.
- Forced displacement and loss of property can also contribute to feelings of grief, sadness, and hopelessness.
Practical Solutions for Individuals Facing Economic Hardships
Nigerians find themselves in difficult situations. In other countries, citizens turn to their government for assistance when they face problems. However, in our case, the government often plays a major role in causing the problems, so it’s not an option for us.
Some alternative solutions include:
Individual Actions to Address Insecurities
Harnessing Small-Scale Farming to Reduce Food Expenses
- If you have space and water, grow food like tomatoes or vegetables such as cucumber for home use to reduce the cost of buying food.
- For those with limited space, consider container gardening, vertical farming, square-foot gardening, or hydroponics.
Reducing Energy Costs
- Limit energy costs by using renewable sources like solar power.
- You don’t need a large solar panel with an inverter and battery; a small panel with a power bank and a USB bulb can provide light.
- Though setting up biogas is difficult, it’s worth the labor in the long run.
Leveraging Skills and Technology to Generate Extra Income
The Power of Bulk Buying for Food Security
Communal Actions to Address Insecurity
Communities should establish well-paid vigilante groups equipped with weapons to protect against banditry and kidnapping. Stakeholders and members can contribute financially or volunteer. The group’s leader must be trustworthy.
Empowering Youth
Combating Poverty Through Job Creation
- Communities should support youth empowerment to reduce poverty and joblessness.
- Educate youths on the importance of having an income-generating hustle, no matter how small, so they don’t become liabilities to their communities.
Skill-Building Programs
- Elites and stakeholders should organize programs to teach youth soft skills, IT, and how to legally use their mobile phones or laptops to get jobs.
- They could also learn tailoring, waste management, and recycling, which could lead to entrepreneurship in waste management or other sectors, creating jobs for hundreds or thousands.
Educational Reforms
Shifting the Focus to Independence and Job Creation. Schools should teach students from primary to university levels that education is about becoming independent and creating jobs, not just looking for them.Holding Law Enforcement Accountable
If we, as a community, decide not to bribe law enforcement officers at checkpoints, can they really stop more than 50 vehicles at once? Change begins with us.
Strengthening Cooperative Societies for Economic Relief and Empowerment
Form cooperatives where members contribute a quarter of their monthly income. The funds can be used for businesses that benefit members and improve their lives. The cooperative should offer interest-free loans to ease members' suffering. Charging interest on cooperative loans defeats the purpose of being part of such a group.
