The Role of Food and Nutrition in Achieving Sustainable Developmental Goal 2030 Through Food Security in Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of food and nutrition for family health and wellbeing in the Nigerian society cannot be overemphasized; it is the live wire of human existence. Nigeria over the years has depended on massive importation of food stuff to meet up with food demands of her thickening population. This paper discussed the role of food and nutrition in achieving sustainable developmental goal 2030 through food security in Nigeria. This has become necessary because no meaningful development can take place in a country where her citizenry are unhealthy due to food shortage. Adequacy in food production in Nigeria can lead to unprecedented economic growth, which would assist in the actualization of the MDG target of eradicating extreme hunger in Nigeria. It was noted that the loss of agricultural sector to the oil boom of the 1970s and insecurity that permeates and envelopes farming communities across the nation is a major setback to food security. The agricultural sector is now being crowded by only peasant farmers whom are also been hindered by insecurity. This is unlike when farming was highly commercialized and cash-crops were being exported for foreign exchange; thereby making food to be available for the Nigerian populace. The study therefore recommends that the Nigerian government should bounce back to reposition the agricultural sector and also tackle the problem of insecurity hindering farmers from their agricultural activities so as to foster sustainable developmental goal through food security in Nigeria.