In a recent report by the United Nations, Nigeria has the second-highest rate of stunted growth in children globally. A closer look shows that this troubling statistic likely links to the rising cost of living hitting Nigerians from all angles. The impact is felt not only in the pockets but also in the physical health.
As a result, when buying staples, many prioritise price over nutrition in an effort to reduce expenses. Over time, when food becomes more expensive, malnutrition rates climb!
Why Food Prices are Rising in Nigeria
In 2024, food inflation in Nigeria reached alarming heights, as it surpassed 40% - the highest since 1996. Because of this steep increase, families are finding it difficult to afford even basic food items. To put this into perspective, the average price of a 50kg bag of rice costs upwards of ₦85,000, and beef goes for ₦5,000 in just one year according to the NBS Food Price report in June.
As market researchers, we predicted that many Nigerians will certainly feel the additional financial pressure at the checkout line, and many will eat less nutritious and cheaper food options. Low-income and fixed-income households, in particular, bear the brunt of these changes. The immediate and long-term health impacts of these changes are contributing to a decline in physical well-being.
How Do Rising Food Costs Impact Young People’s Health?
With increasing inflation, consumers will continue to place less importance on a healthy diet in order to maintain a reasonable standard of living. The United Nations (UNICEF) reports that approximately 35 million children under five in Nigeria face malnutrition, with 12 million experiencing stunted growth and 3 million suffering from wasting.
Higher prices for fish, eggs, beef, rice, and cooking oil are closely linked to increased stunting in children. Meanwhile, rising prices for maize and garri are associated with higher rates of wasting. Similarly, an increase in the cost of milk, maize, and rice also leads to more cases of underweight children.[3] The link between food inflation and malnutrition is clear. As families struggle to afford basic food items, they often resort to cheaper, less nutritious alternatives. This shift compromises the health and development of young people, who require adequate nutrition for growth and cognitive development.
Food Inflation and Young People's Health: Experts’ Perspective
During a recent podcast by Vestance on Twitter Space, experts shared insights into how rising food inflation is affecting the health of young people in Nigeria. According to Jonathan Salifu, a nutritionist and public health expert, malnutrition includes both undernutrition, such as stunted growth and wasting, and overnutrition, such as obesity. Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn't receive the right nutrients, either due to a poor diet or problems with nutrient absorption.
Mrs. Motunrayo Oduneye, a dietitian with over 13 years of clinical experience, highlighted how rising food prices are making it difficult for families to afford balanced diets, which are crucial for children's growth. Ideally, at age five, children should have achieved 75% of their expected developmental stage, but food inflation has severely limited many families' ability to provide adequate nutrition, leading to high rates of stunted growth and wasting among children under five.
Caloric Needs of Teenagers
Nigerian teens are, on average, in the middle range for height globally, but experts warn that ongoing food inflation could lead to malnutrition and hinder growth. The required daily intake for the teenage age group is between 2,000 to 2,200 kilocalories. However, given current economic pressures, teenagers might not be getting the nutrients they need.
Importance of Animal Protein for Children
Another key point is the importance of animal protein in children's diets. Experts stressed that animal protein is essential for development. However, due to food inflation, many people find it difficult to afford sufficient animal protein options. If children lack sufficient iron intake before reaching puberty, they may be at risk of developing anaemia.
Recommendations
To tackle the challenges posed by food inflation and malnutrition, Vestance and other experts recommend several actionable strategies for families, the government, and the community:
1. Prioritise Children's Nutrition
Families should ensure children receive adequate animal protein for growth and development. If this is not feasible, affordable alternatives like mushrooms can also support their nutritional needs. Proper nutrition helps build strong immunity and reduces the risk of future health complications.
2. Nutrition Education
Raising awareness about the importance of balanced diets for children is essential. Educating families about the need for adequate nutrition will help ensure children receive the necessary nutrients to thrive and avoid long-term health issues.
3. Re-introduction and Improvement of School Feeding Programme
School feeding programmes in developing countries, which often include both in-school meals and take-home rations, have been proven effective in improving nutrition for students and their younger siblings. In Nigeria, past implementations of these programs have shown positive outcomes. To build on this success, the programme should be scaled up to increase the amount of food provided per child and extended to all primary schools.
4. Investment in Agriculture and Infrastructure
Achieving food security requires substantial investment to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen market systems. The government should increase its agricultural budget to meet the 10% target of the Malabo Declaration and work with private sector partners and development institutions to mobilise additional funding. Innovative models, like Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), can reduce investment risks and attract more stakeholders.
5. Understanding Seasonality in Food Prices
Consumers can save money by buying staple foods during peak production seasons when prices are lower. Purchasing and storing larger quantities during these periods would help households manage their food budgets more effectively.
About Vestance
Vestance is a market research, data, and advisory company. We empower and guide our clients with robust data insights, innovative technology, and high-impact consulting services. Talk to us at business@vestanceng.com.
