Nigeria must tackle insecurity to escape acute hunger – Prof. Ojo Bakare
Nigeria is grappling with an alarming food crisis as inflation surged to a shocking 35.41% in January 2024, leaving nearly 100 million Nigerians struggling to access basic food items.
This stark reality was brought to light during the Annual Lecture of Ebony Herald Magazine in Abuja by the Guest Lecturer, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare.
The nexus between Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the escalating food crisis dominated discussions at this year’s Ebony Herald Magazine Annual Lecture.
He underscored the grave implications of insecurity on the nation’s food supply, a critical concern as food inflation and hunger spiral out of control.
In his keynote lecture titled “Insecurity and Food Security in Nigeria: Strategies to the Rescue”, Prof. Bakare, a renowned expert on food security, painted a grim picture of the nation’s escalating food insecurity.
He revealed that over 18.6 million Nigerians are currently facing acute hunger, while millions more are adopting extreme survival measures in response to the relentless rise in food prices.
“The soaring inflation is not just about numbers; it’s a threat to human survival,” Prof. Bakare warned.
He explained that the economic instability, driven by unemployment and poverty, has made nutritious food a luxury for many Nigerians, particularly in urban areas. With households struggling to meet even their basic needs, the food crisis has become a national emergency.
Prof. Bakare also pointed out that insecurity and conflicts, such as the Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herder clashes, are further worsening the food crisis by disrupting agricultural production.
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“Farmers are afraid to go to their farms, and this directly affects food production,” he said.
The professor called for immediate government intervention, including stabilising food prices, improving access to credit for small-scale farmers, and investing in agricultural infrastructure.
Without urgent action, he warned, the food insecurity crisis could spiral out of control, plunging millions more Nigerians into hunger.
As the country faces these dire circumstances, Prof. Bakare’s words echoed a clear message: “A nation that cannot feed itself is on the brink of collapse.”
On security, the Guest Lecturer painted a stark picture of how violence, banditry, and terrorism have crippled agricultural production, particularly in the most vulnerable regions.
According to him, insecurity is the root of Nigeria’s food crisis, as millions of displaced farmers are unable to return to their farmlands, leaving vast swathes of arable land uncultivated.
“Farmers are fleeing their lands, not because of lack of rain or poor soil, but due to the constant threat of armed attacks,” Prof. Bakare stated.
“This is not just a food crisis; it is a security crisis with catastrophic consequences for our nation’s stability.”
The Boko Haram insurgency, persistent farmer-herder conflicts, and the rising menace of banditry have left many northern communities desolate, where farming was once the lifeline of the local economy.
These security challenges have turned fertile lands into battlegrounds, severely disrupting food production and supply chains. Prof. Bakare highlighted that more than 18.6 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger, largely due to these security challenges.
The professor called for immediate government intervention to safeguard rural communities, proposing that security forces, including regional outfits like Amotekun, be deployed strategically to protect farming areas from further attacks.
He advocated for a collaborative approach, where local security agencies, traditional rulers, and farming cooperatives work together to create secure zones for agriculture.
In addition to securing the farmlands, Bakare stressed the need to tackle the underlying causes of insecurity, such as unemployment and poverty, which drive many into the arms of criminal networks.
“Without security, there can be no food security,” he concluded, urging policymakers to address both crises simultaneously.
The lecture highlighted that restoring security to Nigeria’s agricultural heartlands is crucial if the country is to reverse its food insecurity, a matter that now poses much threat to national stability as the economic downturn.
Read the speech below;
Introduction
Food security is a complex issue that encompasses the availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability of food. It goes beyond mere production and distribution; it also involves ensuring that all people at all times have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs. Insecurity refers to a state of uncertainty, anxiety, or vulnerability arising from a lack of stability, safety, or confidence in various aspects of life. It can manifest in different forms, affecting individuals, communities, or entire societies. Insecurity often results from inadequate resources, unpredictable circumstances, or perceived threats, which may be physical, economic, social, political, or environmental (NESG, 2024).
In January 2024, Nigeria’s food inflation surged to 35.41% from 33.9% in December 2023. The number of food-insecure Nigerians increased significantly, from 66.2 million in the first quarter of 2023 to 100 million in first quarter 2024 with 18.6 million facing acute hunger and 43.7 million Nigerians showing crisis-level or above crisis-level hunger coping strategies as of March 2024 (WFP, 2024). Insecurity, in its various forms, can severely impact each of these dimensions of food security and this unprecedented crisis demands immediate humanitarian, social protection, and food systems responses.
Insecurity Affecting Food Security in Nigeria.
A. Economic Insecurity:
Poverty and Unemployment: A significant portion of the Nigerian population lives below the poverty line, with limited access to steady income and employment opportunities. High levels of poverty reduce the ability of households to purchase sufficient and nutritious food, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition.
Inflation in Food Prices: Economic instability, including high inflation rates, increases food prices, making it difficult for low-income households to afford basic food items. This is particularly problematic in urban areas where most food is purchased rather than produced.
Poor Agricultural Investment: Insufficient investment in agricultural infrastructure, technology, and education limits productivity and reduces the availability of food. Inadequate access to credit and financing for small-scale farmers further exacerbates economic insecurity in rural areas.
B. Political Insecurity:
Conflict and Violence: Political insecurity, including conflicts such as the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt, disrupts agricultural activities. These conflicts displace farmers, destroy crops and livestock, and limit access to farmland, leading to reduced food production and availability.
Poor Governance and Corruption: Corruption and mismanagement of resources affect food distribution and agricultural policies. Misallocation of funds, lack of transparency, and weak institutional frameworks undermine efforts to improve food security. For example, corruption in the distribution of food aid can lead to shortages and inequitable access. (Deaton,2015)
C. Social Insecurity:
Marginalisation and Inequality: Certain groups, including women, children, and rural communities, often face barriers to accessing food due to social and cultural norms, lack of education, and unequal access to resources. Gender inequality, in particular, limits women’s access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs, reducing their capacity to produce and provide food for their families.
Population Growth and Urbanisation: Rapid population growth and urbanization put pressure on food systems. Urban areas face challenges in food distribution, storage, and supply chain management, which can lead to food shortages and increased food prices, particularly affecting the urban poor.
D. Environmental Insecurity:
Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: Nigeria faces environmental challenges such as desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, and flooding. Climate change exacerbates these issues, leading to unpredictable rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods that destroy crops, reduce arable land, and disrupt food production. (Adjei, 2021).
Natural Resource Degradation: Overuse of natural resources, poor farming practices, and environmental degradation reduce the fertility of the land and the availability of water for irrigation. This impacts agricultural productivity and leads to food scarcity, especially in regions dependent on rain-fed agriculture.
E. Health Insecurity:
Malnutrition and Disease: High levels of malnutrition, particularly among children, weaken the population’s resilience to health shocks. Health issues such as malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases reduce labor productivity and increase household expenditures on healthcare, leaving less money available for purchasing food. (UNICEF,2021)
F. Personal and Community Security:
Banditry and Kidnapping: Frequent incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on farmers by armed groups have made it dangerous for people to work on their farms, affecting agricultural production. In some regions, people are forced to abandon their farmland or pay for security, which increases the cost of food production and reduces the supply of food to markets.
Displacement of People: Conflicts and violence have led to the displacement of millions of people, particularly in the Northeast. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) often have limited access to food, rely on aid, and are unable to engage in agricultural activities, which reduces overall food production and availability.
Strategies for Rescue
To address the multiple forms of insecurity that impact food security in Nigeria, a comprehensive set of strategies is needed. These strategies should focus on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing economic resilience, fostering social inclusion, strengthening governance, and mitigating environmental risks.
Here are some key strategies for rescuing food security in Nigeria:
1. Economic Strategies: Enhancing Resilience and Access
Promote Inclusive Economic Growth:
Develop and implement policies that create job opportunities and fair wages, especially in rural areas, to improve household incomes and purchasing power.
Encourage private sector investment in the agriculture sector to create more value-added activities, such as agro-processing and marketing, which can provide employment and stimulate local economies. (Levy, 2014)
Provide Access to Credit and Financial Services:
Expand access to affordable credit, loans, and financial services for smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, to invest in agricultural inputs, technology, and equipment.
Establish microfinance schemes or cooperative banks that offer low-interest rates and flexible repayment plans to support agricultural entrepreneurship.
Stabilise Food Prices:
Implement policies to stabilize food prices, such as strategic grain reserves, price controls, and subsidies for essential food items, to ensure food remains affordable for all households.
Strengthen food supply chains by improving market infrastructure, transportation, and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure consistent food availability.
2. Political Strategies: Strengthening Governance and Stability
Enhance Governance and Reduce Corruption:
Promote transparency and accountability in the management of food security programs and agricultural resources to reduce corruption and ensure equitable distribution of aid and resources. Strengthen institutional capacity at all levels of government to implement and monitor food security policies effectively.
Address Conflict and Violence:
Invest in peacebuilding initiatives and conflict resolution programs to address the root causes of conflicts, such as farmer-herder clashes and insurgency in the Northeast.
Strengthen security in rural areas to protect farmers, their land, and crops from banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violence.
Support Displaced Populations:
Provide targeted food assistance and livelihood support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and communities affected by conflict to ensure their immediate food needs are met and promote self-reliance through skill-building and income-generating activities.
3. Social Strategies: Promoting Inclusion and Community Resilience. Empower Marginalised Groups:
Promote gender equality by providing women with equal access to land, credit, agricultural inputs, and training. Encourage women’s participation in decision-making processes related to food security and agriculture.
Support social protection programs, such as school feeding programs, cash transfers, and food vouchers, targeting the most vulnerable populations to improve their access to nutritious food. (FAO, 2015)
Strengthen Community-Based Approaches:
Encourage community-led initiatives, such as cooperative farming, community gardens, and local food markets, to enhance local food production, distribution, and access.
Promote nutrition education and awareness campaigns to improve dietary diversity, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
4. Environmental Strategies: Building Climate Resilience and Sustainable Practices
Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture:
Encourage the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as agroecology, conservation agriculture, and the use of drought-resistant and high-yield crop varieties, to enhance resilience to climate change and environmental shocks.
Provide training and extension services to farmers on sustainable farming techniques, soil management, water conservation, and integrated pest management to improve productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Invest in Disaster Risk Reduction:
Develop and implement early warning systems for climate-related risks, such as floods, droughts, and locust infestations, to provide timely information to farmers and communities.
Strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, including emergency food reserves and relief programs, to reduce the impact of natural disasters on food security.
Support Reforestation and Sustainable Land Management:
Promote reforestation and afforestation programs to combat desertification, improve soil fertility, and enhance water availability for agriculture.
Encourage sustainable land management practices, such as terracing, crop rotation, and intercropping, to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health.
5. Technological Strategies: Leveraging Innovation for Food Security
Adopt Agricultural Technology and Innovation:
Invest in agricultural research and development to promote new technologies, such as precision farming, irrigation systems, and improved seed varieties, that can increase agricultural productivity.
Utilize digital tools, like mobile apps, to provide farmers with real-time information on weather, pests, and market prices, and to facilitate access to extension services and financial resources.
Improve Supply Chain and Market Access:
Develop infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and cold chains, to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure efficient transportation of food from rural to urban areas.
Support the use of e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces to connect farmers directly with consumers, reducing intermediaries and enhancing market access.
6. International and Regional Cooperation: Fostering Partnerships
Engage in Regional Food Security Initiatives:
Collaborate with neighboring countries and regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to address cross-border food security challenges, including trade barriers, food safety, and climate change adaptation.
Participate in global food security frameworks and initiatives to access technical assistance, funding, and resources to strengthen national food security efforts.
7. Health and Nutrition Strategies: Enhancing Utilisation
Improve Access to Health Services:
Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and services to reduce malnutrition, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Integrate nutrition programs into primary healthcare to promote better dietary practices.
Promote awareness of food safety and hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure proper utilisation of available food resources
Conclusion
A nation that can not feed itself has no reason to exist, and a people without food are simply waiting for death. This statement underscores the seriousness and urgency with which the Nigeria nation must combat food insecurity. Now is the time to stop politicising the different issues of insecurity that daily confront us within our space as they significantly impact food insecurity. May lack and hunger not find dwelling places among us.
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