ENERGY AVAILABILITY AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA ISSUES AND POLICY DIRECT

Abstract

Food security ensures sustainability and support the livelihood of the world population. However, agricultural productivity is largely dependent on value addition, powered by availability of energy. While the developed countries such as America and Europe have attained sustainable food security through efficient agricultural value chain, most of the sub-Saharan countries (including Nigeria) still find it difficult to provide food for their teaming population. A number of factors responsible for this includes climate change, pests and diseases, and farm produce loss due to post-harvest challenges. Despite availability of vast hectares of arable land and other physical advantages, as well as laudable policies and programmes on agricultural activities, Nigeria is still faced with food insecurity. This paper identifies issues and challenges around food security issues in Nigeria, and the availability of energy to facilitate food security. PESTEL analysis is carried out the overarching frameworks on energy availability and food security. Policy options are proposed with focus on the integration of agricultural and energy policy towards sustainable food security in Nigeria.