Hunger Games: The Economic Cost of Food Insecurity in Nigeria

 

In a country brimming with immense potential and resources, Nigeria faces a significant challenge that threatens its economic prosperity and human development: food insecurity. Food insecurity has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the realm of basic sustenance. Beyond its immediate impact on human well-being, hunger exacts a profound toll on the nation's economy. According to information from UNICEF, nearly 25 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger and starvation between June and August this year. This has increased from the approximately 17 million purported to be living with hunger and starvation in 2022. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 20% of Nigerians are undernourished, while 45% of children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition. This article aims to delve into the economic consequences of hunger in Nigeria, shedding light on the costs incurred across various sectors and highlighting the urgency of addressing this critical issue.

The prevalence of food insecurity not only undermines the health and well-being of individuals but also hampers the country's economic growth and development. With a population purported to double by 2050 to around 400 million, it is not far-fetched to expect that competition for food and other resources will certainly increase, which may lead to unsavoury socioeconomic outcomes, akin to the fictional Panem State in the popular novels by Suzanne Collins and subsequent movies.

Understanding Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Food insecurity in Nigeria refers to the lack of consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets the dietary needs of individuals and communities. Despite its rich agricultural potential, Nigeria struggles with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to resources, and regional disparities, all of which contribute to food insecurity. This has been exacerbated by increasing inflation and rising food prices, continuous conflict and insecurity in traditionally high agricultural producing States such as Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Niger, Plateau, and Yobe. The effects of climate change have further compounded the issues. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), reported that 676,000 hectares of land were damaged during the rainy season in 2022, which has decimated harvests and increased food insecurity.

When examining food insecurity from an economic standpoint, several key dimensions come into play:

1. Availability: Refers to the physical availability of food within a country or region. It considers aspects such as agricultural production, distribution networks, and food imports. Insufficient food production, limited infrastructure, and barriers to trade can hinder the availability of food, leading to food insecurity.
2. Accessibility: Focuses on individuals' ability to obtain food economically and physically. Economic factors include income levels, poverty rates, and food prices. Physical accessibility considers the distance to food markets, transportation infrastructure, and the availability of storage facilities. Limited financial resources and inadequate infrastructure can restrict people's ability to access food, resulting in food insecurity.
3. Affordability: Relates to individuals' ability to purchase food. It considers factors such as income, food prices, and inflation rates. If the cost of food exceeds people's income levels or experiences significant price fluctuations, individuals may face challenges in affording an adequate and nutritious diet, leading to food insecurity.
4. Utilization: Focuses on the nutritional value and quality of the food consumed. Food insecurity can arise from a lack of access to diverse and nutritious food options, which can result in malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, and negative health outcomes. Inadequate nutrition affects individuals' productivity, physical well-being, and cognitive development, impacting economic performance at the individual and societal levels.

The Socioeconomic Toll of Food Insecurity

Food security is intrinsically linked to economic growth. A nation with a secure and reliable food supply can ensure a productive and healthy workforce. Adequate nutrition enables individuals to reach their full potential, both physically and mentally, contributing to increased productivity and economic output. Malnourished individuals are more susceptible to illness, leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced workforce productivity. This, in turn, negatively impacts overall economic output and GDP growth.

The popular Nigerian saying is that, "a hungry man is an angry man". The streets of major cities in Nigeria are littered with angry faces, as people go about trying to eke out a living on empty stomachs. Healthy nutrition typically goes out of the window in favour of filling up the empty stomach with as much "bulk" as possible to stave off the hunger pangs. This inevitably leads to long-term healthcare costs and puts a burden on the country's already overstretched healthcare systems.

Food insecurity greatly impacts poverty eradication efforts and leads to social instability and conflict. Consider the areas of heightened conflict in Nigeria, as mentioned earlier in the article. The inability for farmers to produce sufficient agricultural output in those areas, due to insurgency and banditry, has increased the number of people falling into poverty and further widening income disparities. This has increased incidents of social unrest. During the Covid19 lockdown, there was a sneak preview of the kinds of civil unrest that could take place if there continues to be food insecurity. The hoards of people that ransacked food warehouses in various States in the country, driven by hunger and starvation, are just the tip of the iceberg if drastic measures are not taken.

The education and socialization outcomes can also be greatly affected by malnutrition and food insecurity, especially amongst children. Malnourished children are more likely to experience learning difficulties, reduced cognitive development, and lower school enrollment rates. This can lead to long-term impacts on human capital development and limit economic opportunities in the future. With highly competitive global markets, the Nigerian labour force cannot afford to lag behind competitors.

According to UNICEF,

"Nigeria has the second highest burden of stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five. An estimated 2 million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), but only two out of every 10 children affected is currently reached with treatment." ~ https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/nutrition

Food security enhances a nation's resilience to shocks, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or conflicts. A well-developed and diversified food system can withstand disruptions and provide a buffer against external shocks. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, supporting smallholder farmers, and building robust food supply chains, nations can better adapt to challenges and ensure food availability during times of crisis.

The Way Forward: Towards a Food Secure Nigeria

Achieving food security in Nigeria requires concerted efforts, collaborative partnerships, and a long-term commitment from all stakeholders. There must be a synergy between policy and implementation. There are some key areas that need to be concentrated on:

Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability: this includes climate-smart agricultural practices and a more research-based approach to agricultural practices.

Investing in Rural Infrastructure and Market Access: road networks, storage facilities, cold chain systems and market access must be improved to greatly reduce post-harvest losses. The amount of post harvest losses that occur every year in the middle-belt region of Nigeria is appalling.

Strengthening Nutrition Programs and Food Safety Measures: The Nigerian baby boomers and Gen X, were all beneficiaries of adequate school feeding programs. Food consumed then was also natural unlike the highly processed varieties we see today, which leads to numerous health challenges (and Gen Z skoin skoin!)

Creating Enabling Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Formulating comprehensive agricultural and food security policies that enhance coordination and collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders is vital in creating a synergy for addressing the challenges.

In summary, addressing food insecurity is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity for Nigeria. It underpins economic growth, poverty reduction, social stability, human capital development, and fiscal resilience. Through collective action, innovative partnerships, and targeted investments, we can ensure a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past and Nigeria thrives as a food-secure nation. Let us embrace the challenge and become catalysts for change, creating a brighter future for all Nigerians... "May the odds be forever in our favour"!

Thanks for taking time out to read this article. Please feel free to send me a message or comment on the article. I am always happy to discuss other perspectives and explore different philosophies.