Gombe State Faces Severe Food Security Challenges

A recent survey conducted in Gombe State reveals that ten local government areas are facing severe food security issues, raising significant concern among officials. Alhaji Ibrahim Dule, the Statistician General of Gombe State, presented findings during a three-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Gombe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF.

The survey indicates that 70% of children in the state experience multidimensional poverty, which deprives them of basic life necessities. Nuzhat Rafiqu, UNICEF's Chief Field Officer in Bauchi, emphasized the urgent need to address child poverty and improve social protection programs.

The survey also highlighted that 65% of households have access to drinking water, while 51.5% have improved sanitation. However, the high levels of multidimensional poverty among children remain a critical issue, prompting calls for cross-sector collaboration to develop practical solutions.

The workshop included 66 officials from 11 local government areas, focusing on enhancing capacity to tackle these pressing challenges.