Blog Post
The Nexus between Food security and Nutrition: A case for Nigeria’s Vulnerable Population
3 min read Article by
Eric Nyikwagh | Development and Humanitarian Expert
Photo Credit: Borgen Project
Food, a basic human necessity, transcends mere survival. It is an integral part of our lives, providing comfort, joy and cementing social ties. Aside quenching hunger, food offers a sense of security, familiarity and companionship, earning its place as an integral part of our existence.
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) reports that Africa has the highest hungriest countries in the world, as one out of five Africans would go to bed hungry, each day. As stated earlier, Nigeria is number 110 out the global 127 hungriest countries based on the GHI 2024 index which is a low performance for the nation.
Food is more than sustenance; it is the foundation for a better life. When people have access to adequate and nutritious food, they are healthier, more productive, and able to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. A well-nourished population is the backbone of any thriving society. On the other hand, food scarcity can induce stress, anxiety, emotional instability and societal disorder.
The long-term effects of malnutrition are devastating. Stunted growth, cognitive impairments, and a weakened immune system are just a few of the consequences. But the impact doesn’t stop at the individual level. When large portions of a population are malnourished, it affects entire communities and, by extension, nations. A future where food is not a guarantee is a future of poverty, illness, and stagnation. It is a future we must avoid at all costs.
On a broader scale, food connects us to the environment. The ingredients we eat reflect the earth’s resources, climate, and the people who cultivate them. Eating locally grown and sustainably sourced food strengthens the bond between communities and the environment, promoting respect for nature. Food, like a true friend, reminds us of the balance needed between consumption and conservation.
The menace of insecurity needs to be curbed so displaced persons can return to their homes and have their livelihood restored. Individuals, organizations, and government can also extend support to displaced, vulnerable persons at high risk of malnutrition. Agriculture can also be promoted through education, provision of subsidized inputs, provision of loans and grants among others so food production can be boosted and thus food security, then the hope for a food secure Nigeria will bloom into reality.
Relationship between Human Health and Nutrition:
I. Nutritious food: Develops crops and livestock rich in essential nutrients, combating malnutrition.
II. Food safety: Ensures crop quality, reducing pesticide residues and reduce contaminants in animal diet.
III. Biofortification: Enhances micronutrient content, addressing micronutrient deficiencies and food injustice.
IV. Improved wellbeing: Dietary choices influence physical and mental well-being, with increasing awareness of nutrition's role in preventing chronic, cardio vascular and communicable diseases.
V. The government, NGOs, stakeholders and individuals need to understand that our sources of food and means of production must be wholesome, ethical, sustainable and stable in every senses.
VI. Education plays a vital role in this advocacy. By raising awareness about food systems and their impact on our lives, we can empower individuals to make informed food choices and push for necessary changes.
Economic Benefits of strengthening sustainable food systems:
I. Agricultural productivity: Improved crop varieties, livestock species and innovative farming practices boost farmers' income. The food industry is a significant driver of the global green economy anchored on sustainability. It encompasses agriculture, processing, distribution and retail and other value chains that all provide livelihoods for millions.
II. Rural development: Crop and livestock science contributes to rural economic growth and poverty reduction.
III. International trade: Enhances global market competitiveness of local and national farm products.
IV. Robust nutrition programs that cater for the welfare of less privileged, old or vulnerable members of society,
V. Capacity building: All relevant actors and agencies have improved skills and knowledge to drive growth and productivity in the agriculture sector. Career and business opportunities also exist for exploration.
When people have reliable access to food, they are able to plan their futures, invest in education, and improve their health status and livelihoods. Food security lays the foundation for a stable society, reducing the risk of conflicts driven by hunger, malnutrition and poverty. Food insecurity is more than simply empty stomachs; it's also about hopelessness and diminished self-worth. Quality nutrition also improves dignity, respect and enhanced quality of life.
Without doubt, the small holder farmers have a pivotal role to play in the current effort to position the country among leading agricultural-driven economies where technology is strategically deployed to ensure food security and industrialization.
Therefore, deliberate efforts must be put in place by communities, nations to solve the problem of hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity while strengthening sustainable food systems. Food security is a major driver of the sustainable development goals.
it is important to remember that food is a basic human right. Ensuring food security for all is not just an act of charity—it is an investment in the future of our communities, our economies, and our world. By upholding the right to food, we are taking a step toward building a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all.
Ultimately, Food is a thread that binds us as humans in one whole. So let us all work harmoniously to transform food from a source of anxiety into a unifying force that nurtures our body, mind, spirit and environment.
Author:
Eric Nyikwagh | Development and Humanitarian Expert
Eric Nyikwagh is a passionate development and humanitarian expert, with demonstrated expertise of ten years cutting across sustainable agriculture, food security, livelihoods and early recovery, social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and youth engagement sectors.
As a versatile program manager, He led and supported implementation of several high-impact projects while working with national and international organizations including Caritas Nigeria, CRS Nigeria and YPARD Nigeria. Cumulatively, these projects recorded measurable impact and led to significant reductions in poverty, hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition rates in Nigeria.
He was the Country Representative of Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) Nigeria and enabled the active participation of youths in the agricultural, food, market, policy and research sub-sectors. Eric has contributed to the formulation and implementation of key sectoral policies at the state, national and international levels having participated in high stakeholder engagements in Nigeria, Gabon, Ghana, Benin Republic, and Chad Republic.
Eric works as a food systems specialist and offers technical services to organizations and communities on strengthening agricultural value chains and food systems using sustainable and innovative approaches. He currently serves as an Advisory board member with YPARD Nigeria.
Eric often serves as a consultant, trainer, facilitator, speaker, panel moderator and youth mentor. He published a book titled “Unveil Your Influence” amidst other scholarly publications. In addition, Eric served as the Course Facilitator, Food security and Livelihoods/ Early Recovery (FSL) with GHIV Africa’s Internship Program.
Eric holds a Bachelor’s Agricultural Economics and Extension from JOSTUM Makurdi and an MBA from ABU Zaria.
Comment(s)