1.1 Introduction
Food security is defined as a condition in which all individuals have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2006). The guarantee of food security is a paramount concern for nations worldwide, particularly in the face of increasing population pressures, climate change, and economic instability. Food security is defined as a condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (FAO, 2006). As the global population is projected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, ensuring food security for all is becoming increasingly challenging (United Nations, 2019). In many regions, particularly in developing countries, factors such as poverty, inadequate agricultural practices, and lack of access to markets significantly hinder the ability to achieve food security (Pinstrup-Andersen, 2009).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Over the years, the strategies for guaranteeing food security can be traced back to the early 20th century when the concept began to take shape in response to global hunger and malnutrition crises. The 1943 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conference emphasized the importance of food production to ensure that all individuals had access to adequate nutrition (FAO, 2012). in the 1960s and 1970s, the Green Revolution introduced technological advancements in agriculture, significantly increasing crop yields, particularly in developing countries (Pingali, 2012). These advancements included the development of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops, the use of synthetic fertilizers, and improved irrigation techniques. While these innovations helped to alleviate food shortages in many regions, they also highlighted the disparities in access to food, as not all communities benefited equally from these advancements.
The 1980s saw a shift in focus from mere food production to a more comprehensive understanding of food security, which included availability, access, utilization, and stability (FAO, 2006). This broader perspective prompted the development of integrated rural development programs aimed at addressing the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to food insecurity. The World Bank and FAO began to advocate for policies that supported smallholder farmers, recognizing their critical role in ensuring local food security (World Bank, 2008).
Food security is a critical global issue that affects millions of people, particularly in developing nations where the prevalence of hunger and malnutrition remains alarmingly high. The World Food Programme (2021) estimates that around 811 million people worldwide were undernourished in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and disrupting food supply chains. This backdrop underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to guarantee food security. The concept of food security encompasses four key dimensions: availability, access, utilization, and stability (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2006). Availability refers to the sufficient quantity of food produced and supplied in a region, while access pertains to individuals' ability to obtain that food, influenced by factors such as income and market prices. Utilization involves the proper nutritional use of food, which is crucial for overall health, and stability ensures that food security is maintained over time despite fluctuations caused by economic or environmental factors.
Historically, food security strategies have focused primarily on increasing agricultural production through advancements in technology and practices (Pingali, 2012). However, recent shifts in climate, population growth, and socio-economic conditions have necessitated a more holistic approach that includes enhancing infrastructure, improving food distribution systems, and promoting sustainable practices to ensure resilience against shocks (United Nations, 2018). As nations strive to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition by 2030, comprehensive strategies that consider local contexts and stakeholder involvement are essential (United Nations, 2015). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to examine and propose multifaceted strategies for guaranteeing food security, addressing the complexities and interdependencies involved in achieving this global goal.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that poverty is a critical barrier to achieving food security, as many households lack the financial means to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Research by the World Bank (2020) shows that about 9.2% of the world's population lives on less than $1.90 a day, highlighting the intersection between poverty and food insecurity. The inability to address the root causes of poverty contributes to the persistence of food insecurity.
Climate change also poses a significant threat to food security strategies. The rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns adversely affect agricultural productivity, making it challenging for farmers to sustain crop yields (IPCC, 2019). As extreme weather events become more frequent, the resilience of food systems is compromised, exacerbating food insecurity.
Moreover, inadequate infrastructure, including poor transportation and storage facilities, is a major impediment to ensuring food security. According to a report by the FAO (2017), significant post-harvest losses occur due to insufficient infrastructure, leading to waste and increased food prices. This lack of infrastructure is particularly pronounced in developing countries, where rural communities often struggle to access markets.
Lastly, the fragmentation of food systems and policies is a barrier to effective food security strategies. A coordinated approach involving multiple stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities, is essential for developing comprehensive strategies. However, the lack of collaboration and integration among these entities often results in disjointed efforts that fail to address the complex nature of food security (De Schutter, 2014).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate and propose effective strategies for guaranteeing food security in households, particularly in the context of emerging challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and population growth. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To explore innovative agricultural practices and technologies that can enhance food production and accessibility.
- To evaluate the impact of socio-economic factors on food security status within households.
- To assess the current state of food security among households and identify key factors affecting it.
- To analyze the effectiveness of existing strategies implemented for food security at local and national levels.
- To investigate the role of government policies and international collaborations in improving food security.
- To provide recommendations for stakeholders on actionable strategies to strengthen food security initiatives.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the current status of food security among households in the study area?
- Which factors significantly influence food security at the household level?
- How effective are existing strategies for guaranteeing food security in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations?
- What innovative agricultural practices and technologies can be adopted to improve food production and accessibility?
- How do government policies and international collaborations impact food security initiatives?
- What role do socio-economic factors play in determining the food security status of households?
- How can stakeholder engagement and collaboration be enhanced to strengthen food security strategies?
- What are the potential barriers to implementing effective food security strategies at the community level?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant relationship between the implementation of effective food security strategies and the improvement of food security status among households.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant relationship between the implementation of effective food security strategies and the improvement of food security status among households.
1.7 Significance of Study
The significance of this study for policymakers will be that it provides evidence-based recommendations that will guide the formulation of effective food security policies and programs.
- For agricultural producers, the findings will offer insights into sustainable farming practices and innovations that will enhance productivity and resilience against climate change.
- Food security advocates and non-governmental organizations will benefit from the study as it will equip them with data to support their advocacy efforts and program design.
- Communities affected by food insecurity will find the study significant as it will highlight strategies that will empower them to engage in self-sustaining practices and improve their access to nutritious food.
- Lastly, researchers and academics will gain from this study, as it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on food security, fostering further exploration and investigation into effective strategies for combating food insecurity.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the strategy for guarantee of food security in Nigeria.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
The study on strategies for guaranteeing food security faced several limitations that impacted its overall execution.
- One significant limitation was insufficient data, which hindered comprehensive analysis and conclusions. The scarcity of reliable and up-to-date statistics on food security indicators limited the depth of the research.
- The study also encountered delays from respondents, which affected the timely collection of survey responses and interviews. Many participants were unable to respond promptly due to various personal and logistical challenges, resulting in a smaller sample size than initially anticipated.
- Financial constraints further complicated the study, as limited funding restricted access to necessary resources and tools for data collection and analysis.
- Time constraints imposed by the research timeline also impacted the ability to conduct in-depth analysis and gather a broader range of perspectives on the subject matter.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Food Security: Food security is defined as a condition in which all individuals have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2006).
Food Insecurity: Food insecurity refers to the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. It is a multifaceted issue that can result from various factors, including economic constraints, inadequate food production, and systemic inequalities in food distribution (United States Department of Agriculture [USDA], 2020).
Food Sovereignty: Food sovereignty is the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods. It emphasizes local control over food systems and advocates for the empowerment of local communities in food production and distribution (Via Campesina, 2003).
Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable agriculture is defined as farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This includes methods that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible (United Nations [UN], 2015).
