Imagine a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of location or income, has access to affordable and nutritious food every day. Now, consider the reality: millions of Nigerians still struggle to put food on the table, as rising prices, poor infrastructure, and climate challenges deepen the nation’s food crisis. This disparity underscores the findings of last year’s Nigerian Food Security Index, which offers a sobering look at our current challenges and the steps we must take to build a more food-secure nation.
At its core, food security means that a group of people has consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life. Globally, food security is influenced by factors like climate change, economic shocks, and conflict. In Nigeria, the situation is compounded by systemic challenges—from poor agricultural practices to inadequate infrastructure. Over the years, the food security situation has worsened, with rising food prices, insecurity in farming regions, and erratic weather patterns leading to dwindling crop yields. What was once a nation celebrated for its agricultural prowess now faces a growing crisis that threatens the well-being of millions.
The Nigerian Food Security Index compiled by the Nigerian Food Security Project (NFSP), released last year, examines the key factors driving the country’s growing food crisis. By breaking down the report’s findings, we can better understand the state of food security across the nation—uncovering the challenges and opportunities for change.
Regional disparities in food security
One of the key takeaways from the Nigerian Food Security Index is the significant regional disparity in food security levels. While southern regions like the South West and South East boast relatively better access to food, the North East and North West struggle with severe food insecurity.
For instance, in the North East, ongoing conflicts have disrupted farming activities, leaving nearly 60% of households unable to access food consistently. The North West, despite its vast agricultural land, grapples with similar challenges due to banditry and inadequate infrastructure. In contrast, southern regions benefit from better transport networks and proximity to major markets, enabling more stable food supply chains.
This regional divide is further underscored by the Index’s finding that Lagos is the only state categorised as moderately food secure. Its urban infrastructure and market activity provide advantages, yet even here, high food prices remain a challenge for low-income households. Meanwhile, rural states lag significantly, hampered by systemic challenges that stifle food access and affordability.
The role of storage infrastructure
A glaring issue exacerbating food insecurity in Nigeria is the lack of state-owned storage facilities. Across all 36 states, there are no functional, state-managed systems for preserving harvested crops. Federal government-owned storage facilities are only available in a handful of states, and they are insufficient to meet national needs.
This shortfall contributes significantly to Nigeria’s post-harvest losses, estimated at over 30% annually. Without proper storage, farmers lose a substantial portion of their crops to spoilage, reducing the food supply and depriving them of potential income. In rural areas, where these losses are most acute, the absence of storage infrastructure undermines efforts to improve food security and stabilise market prices.
Understanding the root causes
The report identifies several factors at the heart of Nigeria’s food security crisis:
- Low Agricultural Productivity: Despite agriculture being the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, productivity remains alarmingly low. Farmers lack access to modern tools, high-yield seeds, and fertilisers, while traditional farming methods further limit output.
- Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and floods, have significantly impacted farming activities. For example, heavy floods in 2022 destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland, reducing the country’s food supply.
- Economic Constraints: Rising inflation and poverty mean many Nigerians cannot afford basic food items. Between 2022 and 2023, food inflation soared to over 25%, making staples like rice, beans, and yams increasingly out of reach for low-income families.
- Insecurity: Violence in key farming regions has forced many farmers to abandon their land, further reducing food production and availability.
Opportunities for change
Amid these challenges, the Nigerian Food Security Index also outlines a path forward.
- Boosting Agricultural Productivity: Investments in modern agricultural practices, such as mechanisation and access to quality inputs, can transform farming in Nigeria. Empowering smallholder farmers with training and resources is a critical step toward increasing the food supply.
- Infrastructure Development: Building better roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems can improve food distribution and reduce post-harvest losses. For instance, it’s estimated that Nigeria loses over 30% of its harvested crops annually due to poor storage and transportation.
- Climate Adaptation Strategies: Encouraging climate-resilient farming techniques, such as drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation, will help farmers cope with erratic weather.
- Policy Reforms: Implementing supportive trade policies and strengthening security in farming communities can create an enabling environment for sustainable agriculture.
A call to action
The Nigerian Food Security Index serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and civil society. It paints a stark picture of the challenges but also presents a roadmap for change.
Addressing food security is not just about increasing food production; it’s about ensuring access, affordability, and sustainability. By tackling regional disparities, investing in infrastructure, and adopting climate-smart policies, Nigeria can move closer to the vision of a food-secure nation.
The journey will require coordinated efforts, but the rewards—better livelihoods, improved health, and a stronger economy—are well worth the effort. The time to act is now, and every step taken brings us closer to a future where no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
The newly impoverished population is spread across different regions, with the largest numbers in the North-West (8,422,185) and South-West (7,891,791). Other regions also saw significant increases, including the South-East (4,518,263) and South-South (6,005,036). The North-East (3,396,828) and North-Central (691,517) also experienced rises in poverty levels.
