Food security crisis in Nigeria: An assessment of the influence of National Policy on food and nutrition on food security in Nigeria

Abstract

Over the years, experts have raised concerns over the food and nutrition insecurity that is prevalent in Nigeria despite its favorable agroecological endowments. Government in its effort, has put in place a number of measures including the National Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition. This study thus examined the influence of the said programme on food security in Nigeria. The study employed the descriptive survey design. The population of this study cut across the people of the South west Nigeria and a purposive sampling technique was employed to select 1,200 respondents for the purpose of this study. A structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data and the results obtained were organized using the simple percentage techniques and simple mean deviation, with the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Result revealed that the NPFN has not reduced the rate of food scarcity and unhealthy living in the country and has not helped in the massive production of food in the country. It was equally found that the strategies of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition in Nigeria has not significantly influenced and guaranteed food security in the studied area, and by extension, Nigeria. There is still wide gap between food production and food demands by the people despite the policy of government on food security. The government should facilitate communication with the regional farmer so that the issue can be identified and a remedy provided. National insecurity can deepen food insecurity as we are witnessing with the disruptive actions of the Boko Haram and Fulani ranchers. Therefore, the nation's security issues require a multifaceted approach.