IMPACT OF FOOD INSECURITY ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DURING TINUBU'S ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study 

As the wave of growth emerges in nations, the level of food supply is not usually  in tandem with the sharp increase in population and without improved earning capacity, availability of food has become a global concern against the widespread hunger and poverty. Food scarcity/insecurity, as measured in the United States, refers to the social and economic problem of lack of food due to resources, circumstances or other constraints. This definition, supported by the ethnographic research conducted by Wolfe, Frongillo, and Valois (2003) who added that food insecurity is experienced when there is (1) uncertainty about future food availability and access, (2) insufficiency in the amount and kind of food required for a healthy lifestyle, or (3) the need to use socially unacceptable ways to acquire food and concurrence of crises which would not allow availability of food production. Thus the increase rise of banditry attacks on farming communities by the herdsmen has become a vital issue of economic concern.

Bizarrely, Nigeria, as one of the most populous countries in Africa, faces significant food insecurity challenges. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimated that more than 25 million Nigerians were at risk of acute food insecurity during the lean season of 2023 (WFP, 2023). The northeastern region, plagued by Boko Haram insurgency, has been particularly affected, with millions displaced and agricultural activities severely disrupted (FAO, 2023). The Nigerian authorities declared a national emergency on food security on Thursday, 13th July 2023. Due to record inflation across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja following fuel subsidy removal, price of food items has become unaffordable for a larger percentage of the teeming population in Nigeria. One of the determinant of food insecurity includes economic instability has also played a critical role. Nigeria's high inflation rates, with food inflation reaching 23.3% in May 2023, have drastically increased the cost of living (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). The depreciation of the Nigerian Naira has further compounded these economic challenges, reducing purchasing power and making it difficult for families to afford basic food items (IMF, 2023). Therefore, citizens with low levels of economic capital are unable to have equal access to food hence making a mirage of national development.

Apparently, concerted efforts must be made to ensure increasing levels of food supply by the governemt of the day taking affirmative action towards toward food insecurity. Odoh and Innocent (2018), true development must mean the development of man, the unfolding and realization of his potentials, enabling him to improve his material conditions of living through the use of resources available to him. It is a process by which man’s personality is enhanced; this is the moving force behind the socio-economic transformation of any society. In the view of Lawal and Oluwatoyin (2021) national development is the overall development, socio-economic, political as well as religious advancement of a country. This can be achieved through planning by various leadership of a country.  Chibuke et al., 2023) asserted that, the level of food shortage in Tinubu led admisnistartion would be the worst of it kind since the return democracy in fourth republic where more Nigerians than ever are currently in throes of poverty, unable to afford the price of food items and many asking for inclusion on the list of palliative beneficiaries. A record number of young children attend school on daily basis on an empty stomach. while it is so bad for many of our youths in tertiary institutions that they are accepting menial job offers such as cleaning in the school to earn a stipend as a survival strategy. In Adewale & Shade (2023) assertion, the level of food insecurity in Nigeria is not only as the result of shortages in food but the lack of ability to exchange wealth for food. The lack of consistent food for some while others have an abundance of food is a material inequality among the Nigerian teeming population. In other words, food insecurity is in Nigeria not because of shortage in food supplies but due to an unequal distribution of wealth that has encumbered the present regime. To address food insecurity, various interventions are required however must come from an evidenced based policies, upon which the premise which the study is conducted.

1.2 Statement of Problem

In recent times, the outrage of hunger due to unaffordability of food has posed a severe threat to national development in Nigeria under the Tinubu Led administration, with far-reaching implications for economic stability, social well-being, and overall national progress. Adeniyi (2019) mentioned that the high inflation rates due to complex economic polieies by the Tinubu administration, have made basic necessities particularly for food items, unaffordable for many Nigerians.  Uzoma (2023) emphasized that the depreciation of the Nigerian Naira has further compounded this issue by reducing purchasing power, making imported food products more expensive, and increasing the cost of agricultural inputs. Umanah (2023) added that drivers of food insecurity in Nigeria is the persistent conflict, particularly in the northern regions. The Boko Haram insurgency and clashes between herders and farmers have disrupted agricultural activities, displaced communities, and created an environment of insecurity that makes farming and food distribution challenging (FAO, 2023). This displacement has led to reduced agricultural productivity and loss of livelihoods for many families, exacerbating food insecurity.

Consequently, these continuous nightmare of food insecurity significantly hamper every aspect of development, undermining the productivity of the labor force, exacerbates poverty, and impedes human capital development Asoha and Abdu l (2023) argued that malnutrition and hunger reduce the productivity of the workforce, as individuals affected by food insecurity are often unable to perform optimally in their work or educational activities. This decline in productivity has a direct negative impact on the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economic growth (FAO, 2023). Additionally, the agricultural sector, which is a critical component of Nigeria's economy, suffers immensely due to adverse weather conditions and conflict, further diminishing food production and economic stability (WFP, 2023). UNICEF (2023) reports that the social implications of food insecurity in Nigeria are profound. It exacerbates poverty and inequality, leading to increased social unrest and instability. Abdullahi & Mudasen (2024) assert that households facing food insecurity are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, which strain public health systems and reduce overall societal well-being Furthermore, children who suffer from malnutrition are more likely to experience stunted growth and developmental delays, which impair their educational attainment and future economic prospects.

While, Tinubu's administration has emphasized agricultural development as a means to combat food insecurity. Initiatives aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, such as providing support to farmers through subsidies, improving access to farming inputs, and promoting modern farming techniques, have been highlighted as key strategies (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2023). However, the multifaceted nature of his policies and the time frame for reducing these hunger burden of common man and the nations at large remains a façade. Although few studies have capture the menace of insecurity and climate changes on food insecurity, there is paucity of data on how the prevalent food insecurity under Tinubu led administration affectsnational development. Against these backdrop, the study seeks to investigate impact of food insecurity on national development during Tinubu's Administration.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The objectivs of this study is focused on investigate impact of food insecurity on national development during Tinubu's Administration.  Specifically, the study seeks to

Examine the factors triggering food insecurity under Tinubu's Administration.  

Ascertain the economic implication of food insecurity on development under Tinubu's Administration.

Evaluate the Social Consequences of Food Insecurity on citizen’s Well-being Tinubu's Administration.

Analyze the impact of food insecurity on human capital development under Tinubu's Administration.

1.4 Research Questions

What are the factors triggering food insecurity under Tinubu's Administration?

What are the economic implication of food insecurity on development under Tinubu's Administration?

What are the social consequences of food insecurity on citizen’s well-being Tinubu's Administration?

What are the impact of food insecurity on human capital development under Tinubu's Administration?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant impact of food insecurity on national development

Ha: There is a significant significant impact of food insecurity on national development

1.6 Significance of the study

The significance of this study to policymakers, government, scholars, and society lies in its potential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted impacts of food insecurity on national development. For policymakers and the government, the study offers crucial data and insights that can inform the design and implementation of targeted interventions to combat food insecurity. By identifying the root causes and examining the economic, social, and health-related effects, policymakers can develop more effective and sustainable strategies. This evidence-based approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that policies address the most pressing issues, ultimately contributing to the country's economic stability and growth.

For scholars, this study enriches the academic discourse on food insecurity and its broader implications, offering a valuable reference for future research. Empirically, the study adds to the general body of knowledge and helps in identifying gaps in current knowledge and provides a foundation for further investigation into related areas. For society, by bringing these issues to the forefront, the study can galvanize public support for necessary reforms and interventions, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry committed to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable development.

1.7 Scope of the study

This study focuses on analyzing the impact of food insecurity on national development within the context of Nigeria, specifically during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It examines various dimensions of food insecurity, including economic repercussions, social consequences, and health impacts. The geographical scope covers the entire nation, with particular attention to regions most affected by food insecurity, such as the northern Nigeria with reference to Plateu plagued by conflict and displacement, as well as areas experiencing severe economic and climatic challenges.

1.8 Limitation of the study

The study on the impact of food insecurity on national development during Tinubu's administration is subject to several limitations. Firstly, the availability and reliability of data can pose significant challenges, as accurate and up-to-date information on food insecurity and its multifaceted impacts may be limited. Secondly, the study's focus on a specific timeframe may not fully capture long-term trends and impacts, potentially leading to an incomplete understanding of the issue. Thirdly, regional variations within Nigeria, such as differing levels of conflict, economic conditions, and climatic factors, may limit the generalizability of findings across the entire country. Additionally, the study may face constraints related to accessing and analyzing the effectiveness of governmental policies and interventions, given the complexity and variability of implementation across different regions.

1.9 Definition of terms

Food Insecurity: Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to adequate and nutritious food for an active and healthy life. It encompasses the inability to acquire or consume sufficient food due to economic constraints, social inequities, or other barriers, leading to hunger, malnutrition, and health risks among individuals and communities.

National Development: National development refers to the sustained improvement in the economic, social, and political well-being of a country's population. It involves enhancing living standards, reducing poverty, improving infrastructure, fostering economic growth, promoting social equity, and achieving sustainable development goals.