Achieving food security in Nigeria by 2050

Abstract

The Problems/Issues: The level of food insecurity as of now in Nigeria is higher. The consequences in term of morbidity, mortality, malnutrition rates and epidemiological statistics arc summarily high. While food production is inadequate and food export bill is rising, population and therefore demand is and will continue to rise. Several agricultural and related policies exist; however, if concerted effort is not put in place now and strategies designed and developed, food security in Nigeria by 2050 will be at a very low and problematic level, affecting not only health but economy and social order. The Plan of actions: Strategies to increase food production, food processing and preservation, strategic grain/food reserves, market and access, food price control, matching income with inflation rates, involving public-private partnerships, cottage industries enabling environment need to be adopted, adapted, and coordinated to ensure food security on a long term, sustainable basis. A food cabinet similar to a war cabinet under the Presidency is recommended for success. Conclusions: Planning is a first step in the right direction, however effective, efficient and measurable success depends on political will, adequate funding, prioritization, in-built strategies for sustainability, monitoring and evaluation. Security will guarantee not only food and nutrition security but also health and economic security.