Famine

Welcome to the Voice of America’s News Words.

This week’s news word comes from the city of Maiduguri in Bornova State, Nigeria.

Famine.

Aid agencies are warning of a possible famine in parts of Bornova State, still cut off by insecurity.

Here in the state capital, shortages have driven up the prices of staples like tomatoes, bread, and rice.

A famine is an extreme shortage of food that often leads to widespread starvation.

In this story, the activities of a terror group are blocking food transports.

And prices have increased on the food that is available.