The past, present and future contributions of small-scale and local food supply systems to Nigeria's food security: a critical appraisal

Abstract

Despite the widely acclaimed contributions of oil to Nigeria's growth, agriculture remains a major backbone of the economy, although it's drive toward food security and sufficiency has waned over-time as there is a high rate of food importation to meet production's deficit. The successes of Nigerian Agriculture are attributed to small-scale farmers who are about 80% of the driver for local food production and supply. Various policies have been formulated to tackle the challenges faced by agriculture, ranging from inadequate funding, inadequate storage facilities, migration, poor roads, etc but all have failed to fully end these problems. Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) which came up in 2011 only reduced importation to some extent. It is hoped that the new policy, Agricultural Promotion will correct the lapses of ATA. For the smallholders to contribute sustainably to food security, there is a need for the government to put in place mechanisms that incorporates both the farmers and women into active participation in policy formulations.