Food security, pillar of national security — Adebayo Adeleke

A human security expert, Adebayo Adeleke, has said that taking the issue of food security seriously will serve as a solution to national security.

Speaking with journalists, Adeleke said food insecurity poses a direct threat to national security. When citizens lack access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, the resulting instability can manifest in several ways.

“With food insecurity, there will be civil unrest and conflicts,” he said.

“Hunger can drive social unrest and conflict. Desperate populations may resort to protests, riots, or even insurgency to express their grievances. The Boko Haram insurgency, for instance, has roots partly in the economic deprivation and food insecurity of the North-East region.

“Another one is health crises because malnutrition weakens the population, making them more susceptible to diseases. This not only increases healthcare costs but also reduces the workforce’s productivity, hampering economic growth.

“There is also the case of economic instability which food insecurity can cause as it affects both the agricultural sector and the broader economy. Agriculture is a significant part of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for about 25% of the GDP and employing approximately 70% of the labor force. When this sector suffers, the ripple effects are felt throughout the economy.

“There is also the aspect of migration and displacement as food insecurity can force people to migrate in search of better living conditions. This internal displacement can strain urban areas, leading to overcrowding and additional socio-economic challenges.”

According to him, above research and others led to him going into a project tagged ‘The Nigeria Food Security Project (NFSP)’, a pivotal initiative that addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity in Nigeria and the solutions to it.

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