AN ASSESSMENT OF STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING FOOD PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
A strengthened agricultural sector is a vital component in the quest for economic development and inclusive growth within any developing economy (Akpabio, 2023). It ensures food security, drives industrial growth, creates jobs, bolsters resilience against external shocks, and enhances overall economic well-being. The industrialization of a nation hinges on the prior modernization of its agricultural sector (Ini et al., 2023). Agriculture significantly contributes to economic expansion beyond its own sector. As noted by Akpabio (2023), each dollar of added value in agriculture results in an additional 30-80 cents in income growth across other economic sectors.
Emem et al. (2023) assert that growth in the agricultural sector has a poverty reduction impact that is at least 2 to 4 times greater than in any other sector. Historically, many countries that have achieved high levels of wealth initially relied heavily on agriculture. For example, China’s GDP per capita saw a dramatic rise from $155 to $8,123 between 1978 and 2016, largely due to an agricultural revolution (Justin, 2023). Both Brazil and Vietnam doubled the value of their agriculture sectors within 20 years of initiating their transformations. Similarly, Ethiopia and Rwanda have seen a 33% reduction in poverty since 2000, driven largely by nearly 10% annual growth in agricultural GDP (Chukwudi et al., 2022).
Widespread poverty remains a critical challenge in many developing countries, including Nigeria. It is described as a vicious cycle that perpetuates hunger and malnutrition, further intensified by rapid population growth (Bode, 2019). Several factors contribute to poverty, including food insecurity, unfavorable international development programs, global economic downturns, the burden of foreign debt, and a series of economic reforms (Okuneye, 2021). Nigeria is currently facing a food crisis, with the population, especially the poor, struggling to access adequate quantities and quality of food.
Food security encompasses the stability and accessibility of the food supply, which are critical factors in determining the quantity of food available for consumption and its impact on the overall well-being of individuals (Akin, 2020). When food security is compromised, it often leads to insufficient nutrition and health issues within a population. To address this challenge, sustainable agriculture has been identified as a vital solution. Sustainable agriculture refers to farming practices that are specifically tailored to the ecological and environmental conditions of a particular region. This approach ensures that the production of crops and livestock remains consistent over time, even in the face of natural weather variations, thereby reducing the risk of food insecurity (Totti, 2023).
The importance of sustainable agriculture cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining a steady food supply and supporting long-term food security. By adopting farming methods that prioritize environmental sustainability, regions can prevent the depletion of natural resources and ensure that food production does not decline over time. This, in turn, contributes to the stability of local economies and the health of communities.
A historical example of the consequences of neglecting sustainable agriculture can be observed in Nigeria’s experience during the oil boom era. Ini et al. (2023) highlight a significant decline in food production between 1970 and 1998, a period marked by a massive shift in the labor force. As the oil industry expanded, many workers left their agricultural jobs in pursuit of opportunities in the more lucrative oil sector. This exodus from agriculture led to a dramatic decrease in domestic food production, forcing the country to rely heavily on imported food to meet its needs. Additionally, this period saw a marked migration of people from rural areas, where agriculture was the primary livelihood, to urban centers in search of better economic prospects (Ogunyemi, 2017).
The shift away from agriculture had far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s food security. The reduction in food production not only increased the country’s dependence on imported food but also contributed to a decline in the self-sufficiency of its agricultural sector. This situation underscored the importance of sustainable agricultural practices that could have mitigated the impact of such economic shifts. By maintaining a focus on sustainable agriculture, countries can better withstand economic changes and ensure that their food supply remains stable and accessible to all members of society.
Currently, the population is growing at a faster rate than agricultural productivity (Okunola, 2021). As a result, the nation is facing significant food shortages, commonly referred to as food insecurity. Before the oil boom of the 1970s, Nigeria was a major producer of various food crops, such as cassava and beans, as well as cash crops like cocoa and palm oil. Food crops, including roots, tubers, and vegetables, are predominantly cultivated in the southern rainforest region, while grains and cereals are mainly grown in the northern savannah zone (Ogunyemi, 2017).
In the southern region, traditional root and tuber crops like cassava, yam, cocoyam, and sweet potatoes are commonly grown. In contrast, the northern region primarily cultivates crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, and rice. The south is also known for producing oil seeds, including oil palm, groundnut, shea butter, sunflower seed, copra, and sesame, as well as fruits like plantain, banana, mango, and orange. Vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, okra, onion, and chili pepper are prevalent in northern Nigeria. Additionally, grain legumes like soybeans, pigeon peas, lima beans, and peanuts are grown across various regions. Both marine and freshwater sources are utilized for producing meat and fish (Akpabio, 2023; Ini, 2023).
Currently, Nigeria’s economy is heavily consumption-oriented rather than focused on production, which has significantly worsened the challenges of food insecurity and poverty within the country. The inability of Nigerian agriculturists to produce enough food to meet the demands of the growing population has resulted in food shortages, undernourishment, malnutrition, starvation, hunger, and poor health conditions.
Nigeria’s population, exceeding 200 million, is the largest in Africa and accounts for 47 percent of West Africa’s total population (Sanusi et al., 2018). The nation’s food demand has consistently outpaced both production and supply. With an annual food production growth rate of 2.5 percent, Nigeria struggles to match the 2.8 percent yearly population growth rate (Abiodun, 2022). Despite its significant agricultural potential and abundant natural resources, the country’s economic prosperity remains notably low. Food insecurity and poverty are still prevalent in many regions. The gap between food supply and demand continues to widen, exacerbating the food insecurity crisis in Nigeria.
For instance, the proportion of households experiencing food insecurity increased from 40% in 2005 to over 65% by 2019 (Smith et al., 2021). Food insecurity is widespread across Nigeria, affecting both urban and rural populations, with rural areas experiencing a higher rate of food insecurity (Oni, 2023). Consequently, Nigerian governments are committed to prioritizing efforts to reduce the number of households lacking adequate food. This study seeks to assess the strategies employed to boost food production and secure food availability in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces significant food security challenges despite its rich natural resources and substantial agricultural potential. Ensuring consistent and sufficient access to safe, nutritious food remains a critical issue, exacerbated by the forecasted population growth to over 400 million by 2050. The country’s diverse climate and fertile land are ideal for growing a variety of crops and raising livestock. Key agricultural products include cassava, yams, maize, rice, sorghum, cocoa, palm oil, and rubber. However, several obstacles impede agricultural productivity and contribute to the ongoing issue of food insecurity.
The lack of adequate technology for processing, packaging, and storage significantly exacerbates food insecurity in Nigeria (Yakubu et al., 2022). A large portion of the nation’s food harvest is lost due to spoilage and contamination during transportation to consumers. Marcus (2022) highlights that losses occur at every stage of the food supply chain, including harvesting, handling, storage, processing, and marketing. His research underscores the need for a thorough evaluation of postharvest technologies, considering the entire postharvest chain and using loss assessments to identify when, where, and why losses occur. Effective technologies are crucial for improving food processing in rural areas of developing countries (Anietie, 2021).
Sometimes, traditional methods can be enhanced to prolong storage periods and boost the appeal of indigenous foods. These improvements can also aid in developing refined products with potential for export.
Additionally, Nyong (2018) notes that climate change has led to significant alterations in the natural environment, including droughts, shifting rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and increased flooding or depletion of water resources. These environmental changes have compelled northern pastoralists to move southward into areas traditionally occupied by sedentary farmers. For instance, the Nomadic Fulani herders are forced to migrate south when their grazing lands become desertified due to climate change. Tokunbo (2017) argues that climate change is the primary driver behind the movement of Fulani herders from their traditional grazing areas in the northern Guinea savanna to the fringes of the humid tropical forest. This situation has led to worsening environmental conditions, land degradation, and frequent droughts. The shifts in climate have forced pastoralists to move to more humid regions, bringing them into contact with crop farmers. Variations in climatic conditions have a direct impact on the availability of natural resources. Combined with factors such as population growth, inadequate governance, and land ownership issues, these conditions have intensified competition for limited natural resources, particularly fertile land and water. Consequently, there has been a rise in tensions and conflicts between rural communities in Nigeria and Fulani herdsmen (Obot, 2023). This escalation has exacerbated food insecurity for rural residents and the country as a whole.
Moreover, inadequate infrastructure poses a significant challenge to food security in Nigeria. Olayiwola (2020) contends that the development of infrastructure in rural areas is crucial for advancing agricultural practices. Enhancing feeder roads would streamline the movement of goods from rural regions and improve the transportation of resources to these areas. Agricultural enterprises, in particular, would benefit from well-designed on-farm storage facilities. It is essential to construct storage solutions that are specifically suited for rural environments and make them available on the market (Olumide, 2021).
Objectives of the Study
The main aim of this research is to thoroughly evaluate the methods for boosting food production and ensuring food security in Nigeria. The specific objectives are as follows:
- To investigate whether public-private partnerships can contribute to improvements in food production and security in Nigeria.
- To assess whether increased funding in the agricultural sector can enhance food production and security in Nigeria.
- To examine if addressing insecurity and upgrading infrastructure can positively impact food production and security in Nigeria.
- To analyze whether the integration of ICT tools can advance food production and security in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
This study aims to address the following research questions, aligned with its objectives:
- Can public-private partnerships improve food production and security in Nigeria?
- Will increased funding for the agricultural sector lead to better food production and security in Nigeria?
- Can addressing insecurity and enhancing infrastructure contribute to improved food production and security in Nigeria?
- Will the use of ICT tools facilitate advancements in food production and security in Nigeria?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is pivotal as it delivers an in-depth analysis of strategies to address food insecurity in Nigeria. The insights gained will be instrumental for policymakers, development agencies, and stakeholders within the agricultural sector, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that all Nigerians have access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food.
By evaluating existing strategies, this study will provide evidence-based recommendations that can assist policymakers in refining current policies and developing new ones to effectively combat food insecurity.
Furthermore, the agriculture sector stands to benefit significantly from this research. The study’s findings can promote the adoption of advanced farming techniques, improved resource management, and innovative technologies in agriculture. By analyzing current agricultural practices and their effectiveness, the study offers suggestions for more productive and sustainable methods. This could lead to increased agricultural yields and a reduction in post-harvest losses, enhancing overall food security.
Additionally, this study seeks to elevate the quality of life for Nigerians by addressing and mitigating the socio-economic factors leading to food scarcity. By targeting these issues, the research aims to alleviate poverty and contribute to social stability, thereby reducing the potential for conflicts and social unrest caused by food shortages.
Moreover, this study will serve as a valuable resource for future researchers. It will provide a foundation for further academic inquiry and analysis, offering a critical review of existing literature in the field. The findings and insights gained will significantly advance the current academic understanding and support ongoing research in addressing food insecurity and improving socio-economic conditions.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study aims to thoroughly evaluate strategies for enhancing food production and security in Nigeria. Geographically, the research will be centered in Abuja, with data gathered from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in the city.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
As with any research endeavor, this study faced certain limitations. One major challenge was the language barrier, as many residents in rural areas do not speak English, leading to difficulties in communication and limited interaction between the researchers and the rural population.
Additionally, there was a scarcity of comprehensive literature on the subject, making it challenging to find sufficient data for evaluating strategies to improve food production and security in Nigeria. This required considerable time and effort to locate relevant materials and gather information.
The study also faced constraints due to its limited sample size and geographical scope, focusing exclusively on Nigeria. As a result, the findings may not be applicable beyond this context, highlighting the need for further research to validate and expand upon these results.
The researcher faced several limitations during the study, primarily stemming from financial constraints. As a student without a steady income, affording transportation to and from the study site proved challenging due to high costs exacerbated by current inflation in Nigeria.
Additionally, time constraints were a significant issue, as the researcher had to balance the demands of this study with attending lectures and fulfilling other academic obligations.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Food Security: Food security is defined as the ability of individuals to access sufficient quantities of nutritious food consistently on a daily basis.
Food Scarcity: Food scarcity refers to the inadequate supply of food needed to meet the nutritional requirements of a population.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a health condition resulting from either insufficient or excessive intake of nutrients, which leads to adverse health effects.
Food Production: Food production encompasses the process of converting raw materials into consumable food products. This process can occur domestically or within commercial industries and involves several key stages, each crucial to the overall production chain.