Food and Health Security Challenges among Vulnerable Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria

Abstract

It has been estimated that out of the 33 million internally displaced persons in the world, Nigeria accounts for about 3.3 million, representing 10 percent of the total of IDPs.. This figure is currently on the increase as the spat of violence continues especially in the North East by Boko Haram insurgents, North Central by Fulani herdsmen marauders, and other parts of the country by natural disasters and boundary adjustment related issues. An overwhelming majority of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria are said to be women and children. Most reports have indicated that, women and children constitute more than 50 percent of the Internally Displaced Camps formation. Given the increase of women and children who are trapped in the circle of violence, some accompanying challenges are those of food security and adequate health provision. Whereas most studies have focused on the general situations IDPs in the country experience, few studies have explored the food security and health challenges faced by the vulnerable population. It is on this note that this conceptual paper seeks to explore the food security and health challenges faced by vulnerable populations with special focus on women and children. The theoretical framework for this study was anchored on the Human security and Feminist Approach. The study concluded that the food security and health situations especially among women and children IDPs is at a critical point, hence, there is urgent need for intervention by concerned stakeholders.