NATIONAL INSECURITY AND THE CHALLENGES OF FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA (BASED ON THE PRESIDENT TINUBU ADMINISTRATION)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Nigeria's primary objective in its agricultural renaissance is to diversify its economy by establishing agriculture as the central driver of economic growth, while simultaneously working towards the goal of eliminating hunger in the country. A hunger-free country is synonymous with a country that has achieved food security. Ensuring food security has become a top concern for the country, as a significant portion of its 198.1 million population lacks access to sufficient food (FMARD, 2017). Nigeria experiences widespread food and nutrition insecurity, despite its favourable agro-ecological resources. The land area of this region measures 92.4 million hectares, with only approximately 32 million hectares or 34.63 percent being utilised for farming. Nigeria, thus, lacks the ability and competence to meet the food and nutrition needs of its large population. Food insecurity and under-nutrition in Nigeria are highly prevalent on a worldwide scale, ranking among the most severe (Fadare et al, 2019). 

The depiction of Nigeria's food and nutrition crisis has been steadily deteriorating. FAO et al (2019) reported that from 2004 to 2006, there were a total of 9.1 million Nigerians who experienced undernourishment. The number of people climbed to 25.6 million, representing a growth of 281.32 percent between 2016 and 2018. As Nigeria's population continues to grow at a rate of 3.1 percent, the country's food and nutrition needs will also increase. This could lead to a concerning level of food and nutrition insecurity. 

Nigeria has not yet allocated 10 percent of its annual national budget to agriculture, which is necessary to achieve the projected 6 percent growth in productivity outlined in the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) documents. However, Nigeria has implemented significant agricultural policies since 2010 and has been actively pursuing them (FMARD, 2017). While there has been some improvement in the cultivation of cassava and rice, significant disparities still exist between the amount produced domestically and the need for certain essential crops. Therefore, Nigeria allocates a significant portion of its limited resources towards the importation of food. According to sources from Nigeria's Central Bank, the country's monthly import expenditure in 2015 amounted to US$665.4 million. Subsequent data from the same source revealed a significant decline in the value, down to US$160.4 million per month as of October 2018 (Popoola, 2018). Despite these little instances of success, the overall situation in Nigeria is that the country is severely lacking in food and nutrition security. There is a looming risk that Nigeria could suddenly experience acute food insecurity due to the decline in agricultural productivity caused by national instability. 

Without a question, Nigeria's agricultural sector holds significant potential that, if well harnessed, may result in increased revenue for farmers, improved food and nutritional security, and greater employment possibilities. Furthermore, it has the ability to raise the country to a prominent position among the main players in the global food markets. The source cited is FMARD from the year 2011. Nevertheless, there are other obstacles to the repositioning of Nigeria's agriculture industry. These factors encompass, among others, an uncompetitive environment for agriculture, insufficient investment, corruption, limited access to credit and quality agricultural inputs, ineffective policy execution, limited market access, and national instability. (Downie, 2017). The primary peril to the agriculture industry is the lack of security caused by the activities of both the Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. The agricultural activities in the northeast of Nigeria have been adversely affected by the ongoing terrorist actions of Boko Haram. rural operations cannot be conducted in an insecure environment, which leads to a decline in domestic agricultural production, displacement of rural communities, and restricted access to regional markets (Eigege & Cooke, 2017). Aside from the Boko Haram group, the Fulani herdsmen have emerged as a significant menace to rural villages as a result of their relentless assaults on these communities, resulting in several deaths. 

The primary peril to Nigeria's agricultural sector is the insecurity stemming from banditry and terrorism. Their actions have not only hindered the execution of agricultural activities, but they have also suppressed domestic agricultural output, displaced rural communities, and obstructed access to markets (Eigege and Cookey, 2017). The impact is evident in the economy through the relentless increase in food prices, scarcity of certain food products, and the negative consequences of food insecurity due to the cessation of food production in formerly cultivated areas. This is primarily due to the migration of farmers from agricultural communities in the middle belt (Benue and Kogi), north west (Kaduna, Sokoto, and Zamfara states), north central (Niger states), and north east (Bornu and Adamama states) to safer neighbouring communities or urban areas. As a result, farmlands have been abandoned and crops have been left unharvested.

This study highlights the obstacle that insecurity presents to Nigeria's efforts to achieve food security. This statement emphasizes that the harmful consequences of insecurity are directly opposed to agricultural practices and would consequently result in food scarcity, exacerbating Nigeria's existing food insecurity situation. Put simply, the actions of bandit groups, Boko Haram, and Fulani herdsmen disrupt rural communities, leading to reduced agricultural productivity. This, in turn, causes food shortages and worsens the overall food insecurity situation in the country. This study aims to examine the relationship between national security and the difficulties of food security in Nigeria under the President Tinubu administration.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria, despite its abundant agricultural potential, encounters substantial obstacles in attaining food security, a predicament worsened by the widespread problem of national insecurity. During President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, the challenges of achieving food security have become even more difficult due to persistent wars, economic instability, and climate change.

Studies suggest that there are discrepancies between the Nigerian government and the Nigerian public, particularly among the younger cohort (Abdulamin et al., 2024). Although the local government is supposed to act as a representative entity for the local community, it nonetheless seems remote and detached. The Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria successfully enlisted young folks as a result of the government's substantial detachment from its citizens (Punch, 2022). The #EndSARS protest in 2020 provides another proof of the government's substantial detachment from the ordinary Nigerian populace. Enabling communication between the government and citizens will provide law enforcement authorities with crucial information to efficiently battle banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.

Arinze (2018) states that the Nigerian government's lack of adequate control of armed non-state actors has allowed them to establish independent governance systems in certain regions, leading to a notable rise in instability. In the north-west region, the prevalence of armed banditry has resulted in occurrences of kidnappings, fatalities, population displacements, and disruptions to socio-economic activity. The complex phenomenon of armed terrorism in Nigeria involves various contributing factors, participants, manifestations, and aspects (Charles, 2024). Furthermore, factors such as poor literacy rates, porous borders, and non-compliance with legal norms exacerbate the country's security deficiencies. Insecurity engenders a multitude of adverse consequences, including stunted progress, destitution, rebellion, belligerence, and substance misuse. In order to address these issues, suggested strategies include giving higher importance to technical education, reintegrating civics into the primary school curriculum, implementing community policing, reinforcing the concepts of the rule of law, and cultivating a sense of national identity (NdianAbasi, 2024).

The enduring state of national insecurity in Nigeria throughout President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration presents substantial obstacles to attaining food security. This insecurity hinders agricultural activity, displaces communities, and raises food production expenses, resulting in food shortages and elevated hunger rates. Government attempts to improve agricultural production and guarantee food availability are being hindered by the continuous violence and instability. This situation highlights the urgent requirement for well-coordinated and sustainable solutions to address both security and food security concerns. Therefore, the necessity for doing this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically investigate National security and the challenges of food security in Nigeria (based on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration). Specific objectives of this study are to:

To find out whether there is a relationship between national insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria.

To examine the various insecurity threats which affects food insecurity in Nigeria.

To analyze negative contributions of national insecurity on food scarcity in Nigeria

To provide recommendations for enhancing food security in Nigeria amidst national insecurity.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

Is there a relationship between national insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria?

What are the various insecurity threats which affects food insecurity in Nigeria?

What are the negative contributions of national insecurity on food scarcity in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: There is no relationship between national insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria.

Ha: There is a relationship between national insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the study

The importance of this study rests in its ability to examine the intricate relationship between national insecurity and food security in Nigeria. It offers valuable insights and recommendations that can influence future policies and interventions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. The objective of this study is to provide a foundational standard that may be used by policymakers, scholars, and the agriculture sector. The study will also serve as a point of reference for students and scholars. 

The study will offer practical solutions to enhance agricultural practices and productivity in the face of insecurity, thereby promoting higher food production and decreased post-harvest losses, ultimately benefiting the agriculture industry. 

Moreover, the primary objective of this initiative is to furnish government officials and policy makers with empirical data and analysis that might aid them in formulating evidence-based judgements. The study offers useful data and insights that can assist policymakers in making educated decisions by thoroughly examining the influence of national insecurity on food security. Furthermore, the discoveries can assist in improving current agriculture and security strategies, guaranteeing their enhanced efficacy in tackling the interconnected issues of insecurity and food scarcity.

This work establishes a basis for future investigations into the relationship between security and food systems, promoting additional scholarly and practical examination of these crucial matters. The observations and recommendations have the potential to stimulate creative solutions and research endeavours focused on improving food security in countries prone to conflict. 

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focuses to critically investigate National security and the challenges of food security in Nigeria (based on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration). The study will carried out in Benue state.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As with any human endeavour, the researchers faced minor limitations during the investigation. The primary constraint faced by the researcher was the language barrier. Most residents in rural communities have limited understanding of the English language. There was a dearth of communication between the rural residents and the researcher. 

Another limitation was the paucity of substantial literature on the topic, as there is a restricted quantity of material accessible for National security and the challenges of food security in Nigeria (based on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration). Hence, a significant allocation of time and exertion was necessary to locate appropriate materials, books, or information and gather data. 

Moreover, this study is constrained by its small sample size and confined geographic scope, namely focusing solely on Nigeria. Therefore, the conclusions of this study cannot be extended to other situations, thus requiring further investigation. 

Furthermore, the researcher's shortcomings were predominantly attributed to financial restraints, as they are a student and lack a means of money to support themselves. The research location's transportation charges were difficult to afford due to the exorbitant cost of transportation, which is directly impacted by the current inflation in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while simultaneously fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

Food security: Food security is when a person is able to obtain a sufficient amount of healthy food on a day-to-day basis.

Food scarcity: food scarcity refers to the shortage of food supplies to meet the dietary needs of a population.

Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a medical condition that occurs when a person's nutrition is either insufficient or excessive, leading to harmful effects.

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