Over Million Nigerians are at risk of facing hunger
Food Security and National Security Are Two Peas in a Pod
A hike in food prices often leads to social unrest, protests, and even conflict. reduced productivity, and increased poverty, Most importantly, a nation with a resilient food supply can better withstand and recover from adverse events like natural disasters and economic shocks.
Why is everyone not talking about this?
Narrow Definition of National Security:
Traditionally, national security has been defined as military defense and protection against external threats. Food security, which refers to the availability, access, and utilization of food, has often been overlooked as it is not directly linked to military concerns.
Fragmented Approach to Policy
Food security falls under the purview of multiple sectors, including agriculture, trade, health, and social welfare. The fragmented approach to policy-making has made it challenging to integrate food security into national security discussions, which are often dominated by defense and foreign policy considerations.
Perceived Non-Immediacy of the Threat:
Food security is often seen as a long-term issue, with the consequences of hunger and malnutrition taking time to manifest. This perception of non-immediacy has led to a lack of urgency in addressing food security in national security discussions.
Lack of Awareness and Education
There has been a lack of awareness and education about the critical importance of food security for national security. Public and political discourse has often focused on traditional security threats, overshadowing the significance of food security in maintaining stability and well-being.
What’s the Big Deal With Nigeria?
Earlier last year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food insecurity in Nigeria to tackle the alarming increase in food prices.
Currently, almost 25 million Nigerians are at risk of facing hunger if the food inflation continues. In September 2023, The Consumer Price Index put food inflation at 30.64% on a year-on-year basis, which was 7.30% points higher, compared to the rate recorded in September 2022.
The Solution
To tackle this epidemic, food producers, local farmers, food importers and exporters, food logistics professionals and providers, transportation workers, marketers, market women, consumers, government, academia, and agriculturalists in the food ecosystem in Nigeria are working on the most comprehensive report to address all facets of food insecurity.
How can I support this research?
To tackle this epidemic, food producers, local farmers, food importers and exporters, food logistics professionals and providers, transportation workers, marketers.
Kindly email us with the title and we will respond research@adebayoadeleke.com