ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL POLICIES ON FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU'S ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

It is no doubt that all human beings need food to live an active and healthy life as it is essential as it helps to provide energy, encourages physical and mental development, maintains life and stimulate growth. However, the lack of adequate consumption of food according to one’s age requirements affects bodily functions, causes fatigue, and body mass, weight, and overall metabolisms are affected.  Shutterstock (2019) mentioned that it also results in frequent illness, reduces labour productivity in a nation, life expectancy and economic growth can be badly impacted.  Notably, Abdul Manap & Ismail (2023) reckoned that 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.

Bizarrely, Matemilola & Elegbede (2021) opined that one out of four persons lacks access to adequate food, numerically this means that almost 240 million people in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to sufficient food. According to the Global Hunger Index, Nigeria was ranked 100th among 113 countries on the global list with an overall score of 40.1 based on the indices of availability, affordability, quality and safety, natural resources and resilience (Global Food Security Index, 2023). The country remains a food insecure nation as it relies on the importation of grains, livestock produce and fish. Its agriculture sector began to plunge after the discovery of oil in 1956 and it is yet to fully recover. The effect of the downturn has been gradual but consistent. The state of its economy has also had an effect on the prices, importation and production of food. The food inflation rates as at February, 2021 is the highest the country has experienced since October, 2023 (Trading Economics, 2023). 

Invariably, some reports have shown that the insecurity situation in the country, inflation and climate change also has adverse effects on the nation’s food security. For example, Adelaja & George, (2023) emphasized that the civil insecurity caused by the Boko-Haram insurgency, particularly affecting the North-east region of Nigeria has not only caused the internal displacement of a portion of its population, it has reduced farming activities in the region, limiting market and trade activities. More so, the dysfunctional activities such as the herdsmen-farmer conflicts have also been identified as a major cause of food insecurity in the country. These conflicts have made farmers, especially the female farmers to refrain from farming as they fear being sexually assaulted or being killed. These constraints account for escalating food prices. Eme et al in (Van Den Hoek, 2018) posit that it has also affected the South as the insecurity has made it more difficult to transport food, thereby causing scarcity and making the food available more expensive compared to the former prices.  Food and Agriculture Organization (2020) has estimated that 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).

In an attempt to rise to the challenge of food insecurity in Nigeria in recent years, the Agricultural Promotion Policy (2016-2020) was formulated. Agriculture in the context of the economy is tied with the various sectors and is essential for generating broad based growth necessary for development. The way and manner the societies succeed in increasing agricultural production is the degree the define themselves (FAO 2024). Agricultural policy is a statement of action and a fundamental tool employed by any nation in achieving agricultural development (FAO 2004) while Agricultural policy change refers to incremental shifts in existing structures, or new and innovative policies (Bennett and Howlett, 2023). 

Contextually, President Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of agricultural extension in transferring advanced technologies from National Agricultural Research Institutions (NARIs), input suppliers, and marketers to farmers. To enhance agricultural extension services, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has developed and launched the first-ever Harmonised Extension Manual and National Agricultural Extension Policy in Nigeria. The manual focuses on effective dissemination and deployment of agricultural innovations using appropriate extension methods, benefiting extension administrators, specialists, agents, and farmers across the agricultural value chains. Furthermore, the agricultural extension policy aims to provide a pragmatic, ICT-enabled, market-oriented extension service to all stakeholders, including youths, women, and individuals with special needs, to promote sustainable agriculture and socio-economic development (FARA 2023). According to Premium Times (2023) President Tinubu reiterated his administration's commitment to achieving food security, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly zero hunger, and improving agricultural and rural productivity. He also welcomed suggestions to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of repositioning Nigerian agriculture, expressing hope that the conference organized by the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) and supported by development partners like USAID, GIZ, and IFPRI, would produce actionable solutions to the nation's agricultural challenges.

Statement of Problem

Policy deficiency and somersault is in common in the agricultural sector of Nigeria’s economy and as such they have been incessant agricultural policy changes. Further, the ever growing population and the increasing demand for food, ageing small hold farmers with crude farm implements, and lack of improve mechanized and chemically agricultural revolution, have created the lack of adequate food security. This is well captured by World Bank (2021), when the body said “A nation whose food production level is unable to satisfy food availability, accessibility and utilization is said to be food insecure for its citizens.”

Despite numerous efforts to enhance agricultural extension services and introduce innovative technologies to farmers, Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in achieving food self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on food imports. The recent introduction of the Harmonized Extension Manual and the National Agricultural Extension Policy by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security represents a significant step towards improving agricultural productivity and sustainability (Abdul Manap & Ismail 2023). However, there is a pressing need to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies in addressing the food security challenges faced by the nation. Moreover, the agricultural extension policy aims to deliver a pragmatic, ICT-enabled, market-oriented service to all stakeholders, including youths, women, and people with special needs, to foster sustainable agriculture and socio-economic development (FARA 2023). 

Inspite of these initiatives, the agricultural sector in Nigeria remains plagued by inefficiencies, inadequate resource utilization, and a lack of actionable solutions to persistent agricultural challenges. Consequently, this study seeks to investigate the actual impact of President Tinubu's agricultural policies on food security in Nigeria, with a focus on identifying the gaps between policy formulation and implementation, and proposing strategies for improvement.

Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study is focused on an assessment on the impact of agricultural policies on food security in Nigeria under president Tinubu's Administration. Specifically, the study seeks to

Evaluate the viable agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration.

Analyze the level of implementation and effectiveness of agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration.

Ascertain whether agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration has significant impact on food security.

Examine the challenges of the obnoxious agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration.

Rsearch Questions

What are the viable agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration?

What is level of implementation and effectiveness of  agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration?

Does agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration has significant impact on food security?

What are the challenges of the obnoxious agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration?

Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant impact of agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration on food security.

Hi: There is a significant impact of agricultural policies under president Tinubu's Administration on food security.

1.6 Significance of the study

The practical significance of this study lies in its potential to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the effectiveness of current agricultural policies, specifically under President Tinubu's administration, in enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria. By identifying gaps between policy formulation and implementation, the study can provide actionable recommendations to improve policy frameworks, extension services, and resource utilization. 

Theoretically, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on agricultural policy impact assessment, offering a comprehensive analysis of the ICT-enabled, market-oriented extension approach and its socio-economic implications. It advances the understanding of sustainable agriculture practices within the context of developing countries, particularly in addressing food security challenges through policy innovation and stakeholder inclusion.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of agricultural policies introduced under President Tinubu's administration, focusing on their viability, implementation, effectiveness, and impact on food security in Nigeria. The study will critically analyze the level of policy implementation by assessing the extent to which these policies have been effectively applied and their tangible outcomes. Additionally, it will ascertain whether these policies have had a significant impact on food security, identifying any positive or negative effects. Furthermore, the study will examine the challenges and limitations associated with these agricultural policies, including any detrimental aspects. Geographically, the study will concentrate on the operations and initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, headquartered in Abuja, providing a focused examination of policy implementation at the national level.

1.8 Limitations of the study

The study faces several limitations that may affect its outcomes. Firstly, the availability and reliability of data on the implementation and impact of agricultural policies under President Tinubu's administration may pose a challenge, given the potential for discrepancies in official reports and ground realities. Secondly, the study's geographical focus on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Abuja may not capture the diverse regional variations and challenges experienced across different states in Nigeria. Additionally, the study may encounter constraints related to accessing stakeholders for interviews or surveys, which could limit the depth of qualitative insights. Lastly, the dynamic nature of agricultural policies and their long-term impact on food security may require a longer timeframe for comprehensive assessment, which may not be feasible within the study's duration.

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.