US Funding Cuts Hit Hard: Northern Nigeria Faces Food Crisis as Aid Groups Struggle to Cope

Maiduguri, Nigeria – Zara Ali can’t shake the feeling that her daughter Amina was born struggling. Wrapped in her mother’s arms, the ailing toddler waited for yet another appointment at a hospital in Maiduguri, the heart of Borno State.

Amina’s hair, thin and patchy, tells a story of malnourishment. Despite months of treatment with a protein-rich supplement, progress has been frustratingly slow, and Zara fears more hospital visits lie ahead. “She gets sick, improves a bit, and then gets sick again,” she said, her voice tinged with worry.

Zara and her family have faced multiple displacements due to the Boko Haram conflict. They moved from Damboa, around 55 miles away, to Maiduguri, struggling to find stability as displaced persons. Recent months have made things worse, as vital aid clinics have had to close or reduce services. “We need help for our children,” Zara emphasized.

Currently, five million children across northeast and northwest Nigeria are grappling with malnutrition, a crisis deemed the worst in years. The situation has spiraled due to ongoing violence, especially with Boko Haram’s actions disrupting food supplies since 2011. Meanwhile, bandit groups in the northwest are causing similar chaos.

Recent reports indicate a significant cut in aid from the U.S., which slashed global contributions by around 75% this year. The World Food Programme (WFP) had to close many nutrition clinics, leaving approximately 300,000 children without access to critical supplements. Borno State’s once-fertile lands, suitable for farming, have seen their food production dwindle due to the ongoing conflict and climate challenges.

Historically, this region was a food-rich area. However, military operations and insecurity have changed that. Farmers are now caught in a cycle of violence, often facing threats from armed groups while trying to tend to their crops. Kabir Adamu, a security analyst, noted that many farmers remain vulnerable. “They’re taxed by armed actors to use land for farming, which burdens them further. Those suspected of being military informants face deadly consequences,” he explained.

In Konduga, just outside Maiduguri, farmer Mustapha Modu is hopeful but cautious. He’s trying to cultivate what he can, braving risky roads to buy seeds. “Aid used to reach us,” he lamented, “but now it’s rare.” He recalled a time when his family relied completely on handouts, but that support has faded.

The U.N. agencies, including the WFP, are in dire need of funds to revive operations. After receiving no aid from the U.S. this year, they’ve had to ration supplies, and the urgent need for at least $130 million has been highlighted to restart crucial programs. Analysts suggest that without action, tensions may escalate into violence.

Many humanitarian organizations struggle to adapt to funding cuts, which hinder not just food distribution but also essential health services, including vaccinations for children.

Looking ahead, the crisis isn’t likely to ease. Medical aid groups, like Doctors Without Borders, have reported a troubling rise in malnourished children since early August. For instance, they’ve recently doubled their admissions from 200 to 400 children weekly. “More are expected in the coming weeks,” an official noted.

At the hospital Zara visited, she wasn’t alone in her desperation. Another mother, Fatima Muhammad, stood with her sick twin boys. One child suffered from severe swelling. “I’ve been to three hospitals,” she said, frustration in her tone. She attributed her sons’ struggles to her own hardships during pregnancy, lacking proper nutrition.

In a region where insecurity reigns, the suffering continues, especially for the youngest. The need for comprehensive support and action has never been more critical.

For more information on the ongoing crisis and the humanitarian response, visit the World Food Programme.

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