Northern migration causes food shortage worries in Nigeria
05/03/2010
The northern migration in Nigeria of southern farmers looking for work is causing food shortage concerns.
Authorities have claimed the influx is putting huge strain on supplies in the northern region of Agadez, Irin News reports.
Alhadji Guichem Kari is a member of a government committee that was set up following floods in 2009 that ravaged the area and its surroundings.
The scale of migration from south to north - which occurs annually - has intensified this year because of a poor harvest, meaning flood-damaged Agadez is struggling to cope, the news provider explains.
Mr Kari said: "Due to the shortages in the south, people have come earlier and in greater number … this year entire families have been coming."
"Some have found work and others beg," he added.
Last month, Nigeria's Daily Sun newspaper reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria's policy to restrict the amount of lending allowed by the country's financial institutions was harming prosperity.
By Simon Bassett
