In an interview with media practitioner Lara Adekoro, Gates discussed the dire state of nutrition in Nigeria and across Africa, emphasizing the impact of climate change among other contributing factors.
He explained that the effects of climate change have led to the disappearance of arable lands, causing a significant increase in food prices.
“Nigeria today has the second highest rate of food insecurity on earth, and climate change is only accelerating the problem.
“Arable land has disappeared. Pests have wiped out harvests and prices for staple foods have soared. Climate-related losses on many African farms are more than double those seen globally.
“The poorest farmers are the ones hit hardest, having to cope with more droughts, pests, and diseases, which in turn exacerbate food shortages, and push up food prices,” Gates said.
He further warned that by 2050, climate change could lead to nearly 40 million more children suffering from stunting, in addition to the 400 million children who already lack adequate nutrition.
Gates also mentioned that his foundation is collaborating with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation to gain a deeper understanding of the climate-induced hunger crisis.
On a positive note, Gates pointed out that innovation in agriculture is advancing rapidly to combat these challenges.
“Our vision is an agricultural transformation led by smallholder farmers, who have the knowledge, tools, and technologies to improve their livelihoods,” he concluded.
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