Food insecurity in Nigeria is increasingly becoming a critical issue, exacerbating an already high level of hunger among the population. Combined with soaring food inflation, this challenge requires decisive policy intervention to address the challenges and improve access to affordable food.
As it stands, more than 25 million Nigerians are experiencing food insecurity, marking an increase of 6.4 million individuals compared to the previous year. Notably, a significant portion of those affected reside in the country’s northern regions, and the numbers are projected to increase to 5 million by the end of 2025. Policies like the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), designed to diversify Nigeria’s economy through agricultural development and facilitate food security, have not produced any well-documented results. The SAPZ (Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones) initiative, intended to limit import, increase infrastructure and improve market access, has shown promising results with informational and input empowerment of 505 rice and 504 tomato farmers in March.
Agricultural experts have identified limited production capacity as a primary cause of food scarcity and insecurity. The combination of insufficient farm output and inadequate processing capabilities has been exacerbated by a heavy reliance on food imports. In 2023, Nigeria spent nearly $10 billion on imports of maize and wheat alone. This has significant implications for households, with Nigerians reportedly spending about 60% of their income on food, substantially higher than the spending rates of the United States (6.4%) and the United Kingdom (8.2%).
Furthermore, experts point to weak foundational policies as contributing factors to the current challenges, emphasizing the need for strategic navigation toward improved agricultural outcomes.
Insecurity in Nigeria has consistently hindered food production, contributing to 82% of the country’s food insecurity. The urgent need to protect lives has discouraged many farmers from working in their fields. This issue extends beyond Nigeria, as neighbouring countries along the northern borders have also suffered from similar security challenges for an extended period. To combat this crisis, strong government intervention is essential. It is crucial to deploy personnel to areas most affected by insecurity, as food insecurity poses a significant threat to survival.
According to expert figures, Nigeria generates agricultural produce at an average rate of 1500kg per hectare. This is a fraction of the 5200kg/ha yield rate of South Africa, a country with a quarter of the Nigerian population. Also, only 5% of agriculture is mechanised. Outdated agronomic practices, poor storage culture, and low capacity utilisation (22%), among other issues, show a clear need to increase food production with adequate farm inputs, commodity aggregation and quick market linkage. Government intervention plays a major role here as well. Easy access to low-interest loans, sukuk (non-interest loans), and other financial aid would stimulate production sufficient for consumption.
Establishing more agro-processing facilities close to farming hubs can reduce post-harvest losses and add value to crops. Incentives for private investment in food processing, coupled with improved infrastructure like roads and storage facilities, will ensure farmers have access to markets while reducing dependency on imports. This change in direction requires policy harmonisation for the sustainably seamless movement of food from farm to table.
Collaboration between the government, non-governmental organisations, and private sectors can lead to more effective policies and funding to reduce food waste and improve food access.
To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to promote public awareness campaigns that focus on nutrition and sustainable practices. These initiatives play a vital role in building community resilience.
Food insecurity is a significant challenge in Nigeria, impacting millions of individuals across the country. By implementing strategic measures aimed at enhancing food security, Nigeria can pave the way for a more sustainable environment. This transition not only aims to secure adequate food supply but also seeks to improve the overall quality of life for its citizens.
