AN ASSESSMENT OF FOOD INSECURITY AMONG LOW INCOME FAMILIES IN NIGERIA (EVIDENCE FROM PRESIDENT TINUBU ADMINISTRATION)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The United Nations anticipated that in 2023, there were more than 905 million undernourished individuals, which accounts for nearly one in nine people (UN, 2023). A significant proportion of persons live in impoverished countries, where more than 14 percent of the population is unable to meet their dietary energy requirements. Progress has been made in southern Asia, northern Africa, most countries in eastern and southeastern Asia, and Latin America. To adequately address the demands of the growing global population in the future, it will be imperative to augment food production and assure its equitable distribution among a greater populace (Case, 2024).

Poverty is the main underlying cause of food insecurity in developing countries, as it impedes people's ability to acquire an adequate amount of food (Bola, 2019). Although there have been significant improvements in reducing poverty globally, Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Africa, continues to fall behind. Projections suggest that this trend will persistently increase unless proactive measures are taken (Akanimoh, 2022). Food security in Sub-Saharan Africa has worsened since 1970, with the proportion of the population suffering from malnutrition constantly fluctuating between 33 and 35 percent. The prevalence of malnutrition varies across the continent, contingent upon the specific region. 

Food insecurity refers to the persistent concern of being able to continuously acquire sufficient food that is both economical and easily available (Edem, 2022). Food insecurity causes mental anguish in persons. One significant cause of stress for individuals is the uncertainty related to obtaining enough nutrition, primarily due to unemployment and insufficient money (Ajayi, 2021). Low-income earners, often referred to as those at risk of poverty, are defined as those whose household's disposable money income per consumption unit, known as equivalent income, is less than 60 percent of the equivalent median money income of all households (Ajayi, 2021). Nigeria, boasting a population above 220 million, claims the distinction of being Africa's most populated nation and the sixth most populous nation globally. It is the tenth-largest producer of crude oil worldwide and achieved lower-middle-income status in 2014. Around 84 million Nigerians, constituting roughly 37 percent of the total population, live below the poverty line (Yusuf, 2022). The persistence of violence and insecurity, coupled with escalating inflation and the repercussions of the climatic calamity, consistently add to the prevalence of hunger in Nigeria. Approximately 26.5 million people across the nation are projected to suffer from acute hunger during the June-August 2024 period, which is considered the lean season. This is a significant increase compared to the 18.6 million individuals who faced food insecurity by the end of 2023 (Asua et al., 2024). 

Oladipo (2024) argues that the problem of food insecurity in Nigeria is not a recent phenomenon. Akan (2024) supports this assertion by stating that during the course of its history, the nation has faced numerous challenges in its agricultural sector, including insufficient investment, inefficient practices, and a reliance on oil exports that has impeded agricultural development. Previous administrations have implemented various policies and programmes to address these problems, finding varying degrees of success. Understanding the historical context is crucial for assessing the current state of food insecurity and the effectiveness of recent actions (Akan, 2024). The Bola Tinubu administration, which began in May 2023, has prioritised the revitalization of the economy and the execution of social welfare programmes. The administration of President Tinubu has undertaken numerous measures to tackle the problem of food insecurity. These include modifications in agricultural policies, actions to improve social welfare, and efforts to expand market prospects for small-scale farmers (Rafiu et al., 2023). The administration's initiatives aim to enhance domestic food production, mitigate post-harvest losses, and optimize food distribution networks. However, the extent to which these efforts have impacted food insecurity, particularly among economically disadvantaged households, still needs to be further investigated.

Nigeria, despite its enormous agricultural resources, still grapples with the persistent challenge of food insecurity, which refers to the inadequate provision of food for its population. The objective of this study is to assess the frequency of food insecurity among economically disadvantaged households in Nigeria, with a specific emphasis on the data collected during President Tinubu's administration.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Food insecurity should be seen as a security peril, not just to individual nations but also to the entire continent (Egwu et al., 2019). Hence, it is imperative for every nation to establish efficient measures to tackle this issue and avert the potential adverse repercussions commonly observed in countries with a history of instability. If the problem is tackled conscientiously by implementing the recommendations of various policymakers, then the continent will attain self-sufficiency in terms of food security.

Lately, the insurgency has emerged as the most significant menace to food security in Nigeria. Nigeria, like many other countries, is currently facing one of its most significant problems since gaining independence from Britain in 1960 (Sule et al., 2024). The North East region of Nigeria, one of the six geo-political zones, plays a crucial role in providing staple foods such as grains and wheat, as well as a significant portion of dairy products and animal protein in the form of meat. However, it is currently facing a serious threat from insurgents (Raymond, 2024). The agricultural activities in the areas have been affected, causing enterprises worth millions of US Dollars to come to a halt. This has not only impacted the food security of the region, but it has also touched practically every portion of the country, leading to a significant increase in the prices of food staples throughout Nigeria. Over one million individuals have been forcibly relocated, both within their own country and to foreign countries, resulting in a death toll exceeding ten thousand (Nsikan, 2024). The surviving individuals in the afflicted regions are unable to sustain their agricultural endeavors in the areas, leading to a disruption in the country's agricultural value chain and subsequently causing a decline in food output. The issues originated in 2009 and intensified in 2014, persisting to the present day.

Moreover, research has indicated that regions where agricultural products are produced often face challenges in transporting them to processing centers or retail markets for distribution. These challenges are primarily due to inadequate agricultural infrastructure, which hinders year-round farming and processing, thereby affecting output and preservation across seasons and price stability. Additionally, there is a lack of effective coordination among government agencies responsible for food policies (Anietie et al., 2023). The lack of coordination often leads to a significant surplus of perishable agricultural products, without the necessary storage or processing capabilities to accommodate them. Hence, the necessity for doing this investigation.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the issue of food insecurity among low income families in Nigeria (evidence from president Tinubu administration). Specific objectives of this study are to:

To determine the prevalence of food insecurity among low-income families in Nigeria under President Tinubu's administration.

To identify the risk factors contributing to food insecurity in Nigeria under president Tinubu's administration

To examine the impact of food insecurity on low income families in Nigeria

To proffer solutions to address food insecurity in Nigeria

1.4 Research Questions

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

What is the level of the prevalence of food insecurity among low-income families in Nigeria under President Tinubu's administration?

What are the risk factors contributing to food insecurity in Nigeria under president Tinubu's administration?

What is the impact of food insecurity on low income families in Nigeria?

What are the solutions adopted to address food insecurity in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

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: The level of the prevalence of food insecurity among low-income families in Nigeria under President Tinubu's administration is low

Ha: The level of the prevalence of food insecurity among low-income families in Nigeria under President Tinubu's administration is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study centers on a pivotal issue that has a substantial influence on the well-being and advancement of Nigeria. This study aims to develop a primary benchmark for the agricultural sector of Nigeria, as well as for policymakers and the government. Moreover, it will elevate the general quality of life for Nigerians.

The study will be highly significant for the agriculture sector as it will assist in devising strategies to augment agricultural productivity, which is crucial for ensuring economic stability and fostering growth. Improved food security can lead to economic benefits by reducing poverty and increasing workforce productivity.

Furthermore, this study will provide government officials and policy makers with vital insights that help guide the formulation and implementation of effective food security programmes. Furthermore, it will furnish the administration with useful discernments regarding regions that necessitate improvement or alteration.

Furthermore, the study seeks to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians. The study seeks to alleviate poverty by identifying and addressing the socio-economic issues that contribute to food insecurity. This study's findings will further enhance social stability by reducing the probability of conflicts and societal unrest caused by food scarcity. 

Moreover, future academics will employ it as a comprehensive analysis of existing literature. As a result, other students who are interested in exploring this topic will have the opportunity to use this work as a source that may be analyzed and assessed. The study unequivocally improves the current academic comprehension of the risk factors associated with food insecurity among low income earners under President Tinubu administration.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focuses to critically assess the issue of food insecurity among low income families in Nigeria (evidence from president Tinubu administration). Specifically, this study seeks to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among low-income families in Nigeria under President Tinubu's administration and identify the risk factors contributing to food insecurity in Nigeria under president Tinubu's administration. 

Further, this study will focus on examining the impact of food insecurity on low income families in Nigeria, and it also seeks to proffer solutions to address food insecurity in Nigeria.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As is common in all human endeavours, the researchers faced minor limitations when conducting the study. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available for an assessment of food insecurity among low income families in Nigeria (evidence from president Tinubu administration). Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate materials, books, or information and to gather data. Additionally, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing just on Nigeria. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for further research. 

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

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 insecurity: Food insecurity is when a person cannot find adequate amounts of healthy food on a daily basis. Food security happens when a person does get the recommended amount of healthy food on a daily basis.

Low income earners: Low-income earners, often referred to as those at risk of poverty, are defined as those whose household's disposable money income per consumption unit, known as equivalent income, is less than 60 percent of the equivalent median money income of all households