Food Security and Nigeria’s Development since Independence: Opportunities and Constraints

Abstract

The place of food security in the life of nations cannot be overemphasized. Unfortunately, the importance of food security in the development of the nation has not gathered adequate attention and this is responsible for some challenges confronting the nation. There is no argument that any nation with food insecurity will have a weak internal security, an unhealthy populace with low capacity for production, a depressed economy and in general this will retard growth and development. This paper examines the place of food security in Nigeria’s development since independence; its opportunities and constraints. Oral interviews were conducted for relevant information. Adopting both descriptive and historical approaches, it is argued here that food security least reduces extremism, armed conflict and terrorism; enhances good health of the populace which is needed for proper functioning in day to day activities; serves as a boost to other sectors of the economy inter alia. The paper reiterates that issues such as poverty, corruption, conflict and terrorism, population growth identified as constraints to food security must be tackled in order for food security to actualise its potentials in the growth and development of the nation.