Nigeria's food system, a ticking time bomb

Nigeria is facing a ticking time bomb in terms of its food security. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, about 25% of the Nigerian population is undernourished, and the number is rising. Nigeria's food system is highly vulnerable to climate change, poor agricultural policies, ageing smallholder farmers, rapid population expansion, and urbanization. This unsustainable food system presents a serious threat to the country's food security.

The agriculture sector is the backbone of Nigeria's economy, employing over 60% of the workforce and accounting for over 20% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the sector is beset by numerous challenges, including poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and lack of government support.

One of the major issues facing the agriculture sector in Nigeria is the ageing population of smallholder farmers. According to the World Bank, the average age of farmers in Nigeria is 55 years old. This demographic trend is a result of the lack of incentives for younger generations to take up farming. The older generation of farmers is not well-equipped to deal with the changing climate, which has led to unpredictable rainfall patterns and increased droughts.

Climate change is having a significant impact on Nigeria's agriculture sector. According to the FAO, the country is highly vulnerable to climate change, with droughts, flooding, and desertification being the most significant risks. These climate risks are already impacting crop yields and are expected to increase in frequency and severity.

Poor agricultural policies are also contributing to Nigeria's unsustainable food system. Government policies have often focused on importation and exportation, rather than supporting local food production. This has led to a reliance on imported food, making the country vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

Rapid population expansion and urbanization are also significant drivers of Nigeria's unsustainable food system. The country's population is expected to double by 2050, reaching over 400 million people. This population growth is putting immense pressure on the agriculture sector to produce more food. Furthermore, rapid urbanization is leading to the conversion of agricultural land to urban areas, reducing the amount of land available for farming.

To avert the looming food crisis, young people and policymakers must get involved. Young people are crucial to the future of agriculture in Nigeria, and the government must create incentives to encourage them to take up farming. This includes providing access to land, credit, and training.

Policymakers must also implement policies that support local food production and address the challenges facing the agriculture sector. This includes investing in infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, and supporting research and development in agriculture.

In conclusion, Nigeria's unsustainable food system is a significant threat to the country's food security. The combination of ageing smallholder farmers, climate change, poor agricultural policies, rapid population expansion, and urbanization is putting immense pressure on the agriculture sector. To avert the looming food crisis, young people and policymakers must get involved in supporting local food production and addressing the challenges facing the agriculture sector. The government must provide the necessary support to encourage young people to take up farming and invest in infrastructure and research to support the agriculture sector's growth.