ENHANCED AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES: A STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Food is one of the most basic needs necessary for human survival and is achieved through qualitative feeding practices. The feeding practices and access to appropriate quality and quantity of foods are essential components of optimal nutrition for young children (Arjun, et al., 2019). According to the U. S department of agriculture (2021) food security is defined as having dependable access to enough food for active and healthy living. Conversely, food insecurity or lack of consistence access to adequate food means that the food intake of one or more household members was reduced and their eating pattern were disrupted at times during the year because the household lack money and other resources for food. The USDA (2021) classifies households by the level of food insecurity they have experienced. For example, low or very low food security. The food insecurity status of household with children is further classified by whether it affects only adult or children, and by the level of food insecurity among children. 

An enhanced agricultural sector is a crucial factor in the pursuit of economic development and inclusive economic growth in any developing economy (Akpabio, 2023). It guarantees the availability of food, encourages the development of industries, generates employment opportunities, enhances the ability to withstand external threats, and promotes collective economic well-being. A country's industrialization is contingent upon the prior modernization of its agricultural sector (Ini et al., 2023).  It plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth in sectors other than agriculture. According to Akpabio (2023), each dollar of extra value created in agriculture leads to an additional 30-80 cents in revenue gains in other sectors of the economy. 

According to Emem et al. (2023), the impact of agriculture sector growth on poverty reduction is expected to be at least 2 to 4 times greater than in any other sector.  Many countries that have attained high wealth status initially relied on agriculture. China experienced a significant increase in its GDP per capita from $155 to $8,123 between 1978 and 2016, primarily as a result of agricultural revolution (Justin, 2023). Brazil and Vietnam both had a twofold increase in the value of their agriculture sector over a span of 20 years after initiating their transformation. Similarly, Ethiopia and Rwanda achieved a 33% reduction in poverty since 2000, mostly driven by an annual agricultural GDP growth of nearly 10% (Chukwudi et al., 2022).

Agriculture in Nigeria has been the most important sector of the economy from history and the standpoint of rural employment, food production and fibre, and export earning prior to the discovery of oil. The above assertion is based on the fact that as at independence in 1960, little was known of petroleum as a source of revenue for the Nigerian economy (Ini et al., 2023). There was sustained emphasis on agriculture to the extent that Nigeria was a major exporter of such agricultural products as palm produce, cocoa, groundnut, cotton and rubber. In addition to these cash crops, the national agricultural system was able to produce enough of food crops like yam, cassava, maize, millet, sorghum and soya beans to the extent that there was almost no need for food importation (Joseph, 2020). Hitherto, agriculture accounted for over 60% of the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, with the advent of petroleum in the early 1970s, petroleum became the country’s major foreign exchange earner and agriculture became grossly neglected (Ini et al., 2023).

Nigeria, with its vast and diverse agricultural potential, stands at a critical juncture in addressing its food security challenges. Despite the country's rich agricultural resources, food insecurity remains a pressing issue, exacerbated by factors such as population growth, climate change, and socio-political instability. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes the need for transformative approaches to enhance agricultural productivity and achieve sustainable food security. This study aims to explore the role of enhanced agricultural practices as a strategic means to secure food availability and stability in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The agricultural sector of Nigeria plays a vital role in its economy, making substantial contributions to both employment and GDP. The nation possesses a wide range of agro-ecological zones that are well-suited for cultivating various crops and raising cattle. Notable agricultural commodities comprise cassava, yams, maize, rice, sorghum, cocoa, palm oil, and animals. Nevertheless, numerous obstacles impede the industry from reaching its maximum potential.

Describing Nigeria's economy as agrarian does not imply that Nigeria is highly developed in agriculture (Henry et al., 2022). Agricultural practice in Nigeria is characterized by peasant farming. Agriculture is a vital industry that supports the livelihoods of numerous individuals, especially those residing in rural regions. Nevertheless, a significant number of Nigerian farmers persist in depending on conventional, physically demanding farming techniques. Although these methods are strongly influenced by cultural customs and local knowledge, they frequently hinder productivity and sustainability, posing significant obstacles to achieving food security (Segun et al., 2020). According to Denrele (2019), a considerable proportion of Nigerian agriculture depends on manual labour, low technology adoption, rain-fed agriculture, and mixed crops. Akan (2023) supports this claim by claiming that these old farming methods commonly lead to lower crop yields in comparison to current agricultural procedures. The reason for this is the restricted utilisation of high-yielding seed varieties, insufficient control of soil fertility, and low use of fertilisers and pesticides.

Moreover, Esuene (2023) notes that infrastructure shortages are one of the factors that contribute to low agricultural output and food insecurity in Nigeria. It is crucial to address these infrastructure gaps in order to improve food security and sustain the lives of millions of Nigerians. Akala (2021) notes that numerous rural regions, where the majority of agricultural activities take place, are connected by inadequately maintained or unpaved roads. Due to the poor condition of the road, transport expenses increase, which in turn lowers the profitability of agricultural enterprises and leads to increased food prices for consumers. Furthermore, research indicates a dearth of adequate and contemporary storage infrastructure, such as silos and refrigerated warehouses, for the preservation of produced crops and perishable goods (Akon 2022). Insufficient storage results in a substantial amount of produce being wasted due to deterioration, bugs, and contamination. Consequently, there is a decrease in the total abundance of food and farmers experience financial losses. Inadequate storage conditions can result in the deterioration of food quality, impacting the nutritional composition and marketability of agricultural products (Femi et al., 2021). 

Nigeria can raise agricultural productivity, ensure sustainable farming, and achieve long-term food security by tackling these difficulties and adopting improved agricultural practices under the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically explore the role of enhanced agricultural practices as a strategy for achieving food security in Nigeria under President Tinubu administration. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To determine whether there is a significant relationship between agricultural practices and enhanced food security in Nigeria.

 To assess the agricultural practices required to boost food security in Nigeria.

To Evaluate the role of adequate agricultural practices in enhancing food security in Nigeria.

To provide solutions to enhance agricultural practices and achieve long-term food security 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:

Is there a significant relationship between agricultural practices and enhanced food security in Nigeria?

What are the agricultural practices required to boost food security in Nigeria?

What are the role of adequate agricultural practices in enhancing food security in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

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: There is no significant relationship between agricultural practices and enhanced food security in Nigeria.

Ha: There is a significant relationship between agricultural practices and enhanced food security in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the study

The investigation into improved agricultural methods as a tactic for attaining food security in Nigeria during President Tinubu's tenure holds great significance for multiple reasons. It tackles crucial matters that impact the nation's food systems, socio-economic progress, and overall welfare of its people. The results will be of great significance to policymakers, development agencies, and players in the agricultural industry, with the ultimate goal of guaranteeing that every Nigerian has access to an adequate, secure, and nourishing food supply.

The paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of existing techniques and provides evidence-based suggestions for policymakers. This can aid in enhancing and perfecting current policies and devising novel ones to efficiently address the issue of food insecurity.

The study will also have a positive impact on the agriculture sector. The study's findings can promote the use of contemporary farming methods, improved allocation of resources, and technology advancements in agriculture. The study examines existing agricultural practices and evaluates their efficacy, providing recommendations for implementing more efficient and environmentally-friendly ways. This can result in higher agricultural productivity and less losses after harvesting.

Furthermore, the study seeks to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians. The study seeks to alleviate poverty by identifying and resolving the socio-economic elements that contribute to a lack of food. 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 of current content that they may analyse critically. The study's findings unequivocally augment the current academic knowledge. 

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focuses to critically explore the role of enhanced agricultural practices as a strategy for achieving food security in Nigeria under President Tinubu administration. Geographically, this study will be conducted in Abuja, as the respondents will be obtained from the staff of Ministry of Agriculture and rural development, Abuja.

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human undertaking, the researchers encountered small constraints during the investigation. The researcher's main limitation was the linguistic barrier. The majority of inhabitants in rural communities lack comprehension of the English language. There was a lack of contact between the rural inhabitants and the researcher. 

Another constraint was the scarcity of considerable literature on the subject, as there is a limited amount of data available for enhanced agricultural practices as a strategy for achieving food security in Nigeria under President Tinubu administration. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to find the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. Furthermore, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical reach, namely concentrating just on Nigeria. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Additionally, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student and do not have a source of income to sustain themselves. It was challenging to afford transportation expenses to and from the study location due to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by inflation in Nigeria today.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously completing the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

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 scarcity: food scarcity refers to the shortage of food supplies to meet the dietary needs of a population.

Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a medical condition that occurs when a person's nutrition is either insufficient or excessive, leading to harmful effects.

Food production: Food production is considered as the process of transforming raw materials into edible food products. This can be done directly at home or commercially at industries. The process of food production involves various stages and each stage is important. enhanced agricultural practices as a strategy for achieving food security in Nigeria under President Tinubu administration