AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF FOOD INSECURITY ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU’S ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study As nations experience waves of growth and development, the supply of food often fails to match the rapid increase in population, especially when accompanied by stagnant income levels. This mismatch has rendered food availability a critical global issue in the face of rising hunger and poverty. In the United States, food insecurity is defined as a socio-economic issue marked by insufficient access to food due to limitations in resources, environmental conditions, or other constraints. Wolfe, Frongillo, and Valois (2003), through ethnographic research, expanded this definition by highlighting that food insecurity encompasses (1) uncertainty regarding future access to food, (2) inadequacy in the quantity and quality of food required for a healthy life, and (3) the need to resort to socially unacceptable means of obtaining food, often accompanied by crises that hinder food production. In Nigeria, one of the pressing contributors to food insecurity is the escalating attacks on farming communities by bandits and armed herders, which have raised significant economic concerns. Ironically, Nigeria—despite being one of the most populous nations in Africa—faces severe food insecurity challenges. The World Food Programme (WFP, 2023) estimated that during the 2023 lean season, over 25 million Nigerians were at risk of acute food insecurity. The situation is particularly dire in the northeastern region, where insurgency by Boko Haram has displaced millions and severely disrupted agricultural activities (FAO, 2023). In response, the Nigerian government declared a state of emergency on food security on July 13, 2023. This declaration came amid unprecedented inflation across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, largely driven by the removal of fuel subsidies. The resultant surge in food prices has made basic food items unaffordable for the majority of the population. Among the root causes of food insecurity in Nigeria is economic instability. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2023), food inflation rose to 23.3% in May 2023, severely increasing the cost of living. The sharp depreciation of the Nigerian Naira has compounded these issues, weakening consumers’ purchasing power and pushing essential food items beyond the reach of many families (IMF, 2023). Thus, individuals and households with low income and limited access to economic resources are disproportionately affected, leading to inequitable food access and obstructing meaningful national development. Addressing food insecurity requires concerted government action aimed at enhancing food supply and implementing sustainable agricultural and economic policies. Odoh and Innocent (2018) argue that genuine development entails the advancement of individuals, enabling them to utilize available resources to improve their living conditions. This perspective sees development as a process that enhances human potential, acting as the engine for broader socio-economic transformation. According to Lawal and Oluwatoyin (2021), national development encompasses the comprehensive socio-economic, political, and even religious progress of a nation, which is achievable through effective leadership and strategic planning. Chibuke et al. (2023) maintain that the scale of food shortages under the Tinubu administration represents one of the most severe crises since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in the Fourth Republic. A growing number of Nigerians are grappling with poverty and hunger, struggling to afford basic food items, and seeking inclusion on palliative distribution lists. Alarmingly, many schoolchildren now attend classes on empty stomachs, while students in tertiary institutions increasingly resort to menial jobs such as cleaning to earn meager wages for survival. Adewale and Shade (2023) contend that food insecurity in Nigeria arises not only from supply shortages but also from economic disparities that hinder the ability of many citizens to afford food. The existence of food abundance for some, while others experience deprivation, underscores a deep-seated material inequality. In essence, Nigeria’s food insecurity crisis is more a reflection of unequal wealth distribution than of food production shortfalls—a challenge that the current administration continues to grapple with. Tackling food insecurity demands evidence-based policy interventions. It is against this background that the present study is conducted to investigate the impact of food insecurity on national development during President Tinubu’s administration. 1.2 Statement of the Problem In recent times, the widespread hunger resulting from unaffordable food prices has emerged as a major threat to Nigeria's national development under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. This situation has profound consequences for economic stability, social well-being, and national progress. Adeniyi (2019) noted that rising inflation, driven by the complex economic policies of the Tinubu administration, has rendered basic necessities—especially food—unaffordable for many Nigerians. Uzoma (2023) pointed out that the depreciation of the Naira has exacerbated this issue by reducing purchasing power, raising the cost of imported food products, and inflating prices for agricultural inputs. Similarly, Umanah (2023) identified persistent insecurity, especially in the northern regions, as a major driver of food insecurity. The continued activities of Boko Haram and violent clashes between herders and farmers have disrupted farming, displaced communities, and fostered an environment of insecurity that hampers food production and distribution (FAO, 2023). The displacement of communities has led to a sharp decline in agricultural output and the loss of livelihoods, thereby intensifying the food crisis. As a result, the continued prevalence of food insecurity significantly undermines all aspects of national development. It reduces workforce productivity, exacerbates poverty, and hinders the development of human capital. Asoha and Abdul (2023) argue that hunger and malnutrition negatively affect individuals’ ability to perform at work or in school, leading to a decrease in productivity that directly impacts Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and broader economic growth (FAO, 2023). Furthermore, the agricultural sector—which plays a central role in the Nigerian economy—has been severely impacted by a combination of adverse weather conditions and security challenges, further eroding food production capacity and economic resilience (WFP, 2023). The social consequences of food insecurity in Nigeria are equally severe. UNICEF (2023) reported that hunger worsens inequality and poverty, contributing to rising social unrest and instability. Abdullahi and Mudasen (2024) noted that households experiencing food insecurity are more likely to suffer from poor health outcomes, which in turn burden the healthcare system and lower societal well-being. Malnourished children are at a greater risk of stunted growth and developmental delays, which diminish their educational attainment and future productivity. Although the Tinubu administration has prioritized agricultural development as a strategy to address food insecurity—through initiatives such as farmer subsidies, improved access to inputs, and promotion of modern agricultural techniques—many of these policy efforts remain insufficient or slow to yield tangible results. The multifaceted nature of the administration’s policy responses, coupled with the delayed impact of these interventions, casts doubt on their effectiveness in alleviating the immediate burden of hunger on citizens and promoting sustainable national development. While prior studies have explored the relationship between insecurity, climate change, and food insecurity, there remains a gap in the literature concerning the specific impact of food insecurity on national development under the Tinubu administration. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the extent to which food insecurity has affected national development in Nigeria during the Tinubu-led government 1.3 Objectives of the study The objectivs of this study is focused on investigate impact of food insecurity on national development during Tinubu's Administration.  Specifically, the study seeks to i.Examine the factors triggering food insecurity under Tinubu's Administration.   ii.Ascertain the economic implication of food insecurity on development under Tinubu's Administration. iii.Evaluate the Social Consequences of Food Insecurity on citizen’s Well-being Tinubu's Administration. iv.Analyze the impact of food insecurity on human capital development under Tinubu's Administration. 1.4 Research Questions i.What are the factors triggering food insecurity under Tinubu's Administration? ii.What are the economic implication of food insecurity on development under Tinubu's Administration? iii.What are the social consequences of food insecurity on citizen’s well-being Tinubu's Administration? iv.What are the impact of food insecurity on human capital development under Tinubu's Administration? 1.5 Research Hypotheses Ho: There is no significant impact of food insecurity on national development Ha: There is a significant significant impact of food insecurity on national development 1.6 Significance of the study The significance of this study to policymakers, government, scholars, and society lies in its potential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted impacts of food insecurity on national development. For policymakers and the government, the study offers crucial data and insights that can inform the design and implementation of targeted interventions to combat food insecurity. By identifying the root causes and examining the economic, social, and health-related effects, policymakers can develop more effective and sustainable strategies. This evidence-based approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that policies address the most pressing issues, ultimately contributing to the country's economic stability and growth. For scholars, this study enriches the academic discourse on food insecurity and its broader implications, offering a valuable reference for future research. Empirically, the study adds to the general body of knowledge and helps in identifying gaps in current knowledge and provides a foundation for further investigation into related areas. For society, by bringing these issues to the forefront, the study can galvanize public support for necessary reforms and interventions, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry committed to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable development. 1.7 Scope of the study This study focuses on analyzing the impact of food insecurity on national development within the context of Nigeria, specifically during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It examines various dimensions of food insecurity, including economic repercussions, social consequences, and health impacts. The geographical scope covers the entire nation, with particular attention to regions most affected by food insecurity, such as the northern Nigeria with reference to Plateau plagued by conflict and displacement, as well as areas experiencing severe economic and climatic challenges. 1.8 Limitation of the study The study on the impact of food insecurity on national development during Tinubu's administration is subject to several limitations. Firstly, the availability and reliability of data can pose significant challenges, as accurate and up-to-date information on food insecurity and its multifaceted impacts may be limited. Secondly, the study's focus on a specific timeframe may not fully capture long-term trends and impacts, potentially leading to an incomplete understanding of the issue. Thirdly, regional variations within Nigeria, such as differing levels of conflict, economic conditions, and climatic factors, may limit the generalizability of findings across the entire country. Additionally, the study may face constraints related to accessing and analyzing the effectiveness of governmental policies and interventions, given the complexity and variability of implementation across different regions. 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. National Development: National development refers to the sustained improvement in the economic, social, and political well-being of a country's population. It involves enhancing living standards, reducing poverty, improving infrastructure, fostering economic growth, promoting social equity, and achieving sustainable development goals.