Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Nigeria, affecting millions of Nigerians across the country. Recently, Professor Taiwo Kehinde from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, provided a thought provoking analysis of the root causes of this persistent challenge. According to Professor Kehinde, Nigeria’s food insecurity problem is driven by a complex interplay of rising population, climate change, food wastage, inequity, and resource scarcity. His insights are a call to action for urgent reforms in policy, agriculture, and infrastructure to secure food for Nigeria’s growing population.
One of the most pressing issues contributing to food insecurity in Nigeria, as identified by Professor Kehinde, is the rapid population growth. With over 200 million people and one of the highest population growth rates in the world, Nigeria’s demand for food continues to rise exponentially. Unfortunately, this rapid growth has not been matched by an increase in agricultural productivity, leading to a widening gap between food supply and demand.
This population pressure is further compounded by urbanization, where more people move to cities, leaving rural areas where most food production occurs underpopulated. The resulting strain on available resources makes it more difficult to ensure that every Nigerian has access to affordable, nutritious food.
Climate change is another major factor identified by Professor Kehinde. Nigeria, like many other African nations, is heavily dependent on rain fed agriculture, and any disruption in weather patterns can have devastating consequences for food production. Changes in rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and extreme weather events like flooding have led to crop failures and reduced yields in recent years.
The shift in climate not only affects food availability but also the livelihoods of farmers, who are increasingly vulnerable to climate related disasters. This has created an urgent need for sustainable farming practices and policies that address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Professor Kehinde also pointed to food wastage as a significant contributor to food insecurity in Nigeria. It is estimated that a large portion of food produced in the country is lost either during harvesting, transportation, or at the consumer level due to poor storage and inadequate distribution networks. This wasted food could have been used to feed millions of people who are facing hunger.
Efforts to reduce food wastage through better storage facilities, improved transportation, and enhanced market access are crucial. Additionally, educating consumers about reducing food waste at the household level is an essential step in ensuring that more food reaches those who need it most.
Inequity in food distribution is another core issue contributing to food insecurity. Professor Kehinde noted that while Nigeria produces enough food to feed its population, access to food is not evenly distributed. Poverty, inequality, and lack of infrastructure limit access to food for millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Rural populations often face higher levels of food insecurity due to limited access to markets, poor road networks, and a lack of government support. Meanwhile, the urban poor, who spend a large proportion of their income on food, struggle to afford nutritious food due to high food prices driven by inflation and poor distribution systems.
Finally, resource scarcity particularly land, water, and labor has also contributed to food insecurity in Nigeria. Land tenure issues and conflicts over land use, especially between farmers and herders, have further complicated agricultural production. Additionally, access to water for irrigation is limited in many parts of the country, which means that agriculture is largely dependent on seasonal rainfall, making it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
As Nigeria’s population grows, the demand for land and water resources intensifies, further straining the agricultural sector. Sustainable resource management and conflict resolution mechanisms are critical to ensuring that agriculture can continue to meet the needs of the population.
Improved agricultural practices Investing in modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and climate resilient crops can help mitigate the effects of climate change and boost food production.
Strengthening food distribution systems Building better storage and transportation infrastructure to reduce food wastage and ensure food reaches those in need is essential.
Policy reforms the Nigerian government must implement policies that address inequity in food access, support smallholder farmers, and provide social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
Public awareness campaigns Educating Nigerians on reducing food waste and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices will play a vital role in tackling the crisis.
The challenges of food insecurity in Nigeria are complex, and Professor Taiwo Kehinde’s insights shed light on the underlying factors contributing to the crisis. Rising population, climate change, food wastage, inequity, and resource scarcity are all playing a role in undermining food security. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving government, businesses, and individuals. By prioritizing sustainable agriculture, improving food distribution, and ensuring equal access to resources, Nigeria can move toward a future where food insecurity is no longer a crisis, but a challenge that has been overcome.