IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN RESOLVING FOOD SECURITY CRISIS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the study

Eliminating situations of food insecurity, which are characterised by a lack of availability to wholesome, nourishing food, is the foundation of the discussion of food security. One of the seven elements of human security included in the United Nations Trust Fund of Human Security Handbook is the right to access enough food (United Nations, 2016). It even went so far as to label food insecurity a threat to human security. Food security is the antithesis of food insecurity, which would be a threat to human existence. Food security, according to the UN/FAO, is the state in which all humans, at all situations, have physical and financial access to enough food that is safe, nutritious, and fits their dietary needs as well as their inclinations for an active and healthy life (FAO, 1996). This definition represents connected aspects of food security, demonstrating the evolutionary transformation that food security has undergone overtime.

Food security has long been a hot topic, with reports indicating that some African nations are food insecure. Horrific revelations of cases of malnourished children in nations in the Horn of Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, and some regions of Kenya, have been shown to us. These terrifying expositions portray an avertable catastrophe. Africa's agricultural system is outdated, which is made worse by global high food costs.

For urban and impoverished families in Nigeria, food makes up a sizable and rising portion of the family budget. Poor individuals suffer the most when the cost of basic foods rises. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), a UN organisation, once issued a warning about an impending food crisis in Bangladesh, Morocco, and Nigeria. According to the research, there are severe food shortages around the world.

The most important thing in life is still food because it is so essential to human existence, along with clothing and shelter. It is well known that the relentless pursuit of food has changed human history, sparking conflicts, encouraging migration, and supporting the development of states. The recent increase in food costs necessitates sober reflection in light of the global challenges that are escalating the food crisis and have the potential to turn it into a catastrophe. The ability of the globe to feed its 6.5 billion inhabitants and prevent global unhappiness and political instability, which are being highlighted in most countries, has come under the scrutiny of international leaders due to this vital issue (FAO, 2007).

1.2. Statement of the problem

Every nation should ideally be able to feed itself. That has not always been the case, however, as 46.1 million people in the nation experienced severe food insecurity from 2014 to 2017. Of those, 11.35 million people in 2016 and 21.5 million people in 2017 and 2.1 million people from the country's north-eastern region were internally displaced people (IDPs); majority of these people who now reside in IDP camps and solely rely on food aids. (FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO, 2017).

Based on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, between June and August 2023, 25.3 million people in Nigeria will experience food insecurity. In a communiqué, the FAO warned that 4.4 million people in the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe will be impacted if nothing is done to stop the disaster (FAO, 2019a; World Bank 2019m).

All efforts to fix this glaring food insecurity in Nigeria have proved abortive as the country has had to contend with natural disasters like floods, security issues like the farmers-headers conflict and terrorism which has negatively influenced food productivity. With all these said, it is glaring that the country is food insecure and heading food security crisis if nothing is done to ameliorate this.

1.3. Objectives of The Study

The major aim of this study is to examine the impact of ibternational organizations in resolving food security crisis in Nigeria. Other objectives of this study are;

1. To highlight the importance of food security in Nigeria

2. To assess the causes of food insecurity and crisis in Nigeria

3. To assess the relationship between international organizations and food security in Nigeria

4. To examine the challenges towards achieving a food sufficiency and security in Nigeria

1.4. Research Questions

1. What is the importance of food security in Nigeria?

2. What are the causes of food insecurity and crisis in Nigeria?

3. What is the relationship between international organizations and food security in Nigeria?

4. What are the challenges towards achieving a food sufficiency and security in Nigeria?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

H0: There is no significant relationship between international organizations and food security in Nigeria

H0: There is a significant relationship between international organizations and food security in Nigeria

1.6. Significance of the study

This study would be immense importance to policy makers and government at all levels as it would highlight the importance of international organizations in ensuring food security thereby averting food crisis in Nigeria. This study would also highlight the causes of food insecurity in Nigeria thus helping government in ensuring causes are properly handled and solved.

This stidy would be of immense to researchers, students and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on food insecurity and c]risis as it would serve as a source of recent literature.

1.7. Scope And Limitation Of The Study

This study is restricted to the impact of international organizations in resolving food crisis using Nigeria as the case study.

Limitations of the study

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview)

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.