Socio-Economic and Environmental Issues: Implications for Food Security in Nigeria

Authors

Isaiah O. Olurinola, Covenant University
Evans Osabuohien, Covenant University

Publisher

Central Bank of Nigeria

Keywords

Socio-Economic issues, Environmental Challenges, Economy, Food Security, Agricultural Challenges, Nigeria.

Abstract

Socio-economic activities within the agricultural sector have witnessed significant changes in recent times. Two major factors account for this recent development. Available evidence shows that over the last four decades, environmental challenges (such as pollution, extreme weather, fire disaster and deforestation, among others) have been on the increase in Nigeria. This is complicated by a weak institutional framework to stem the tide (Egbetokun et al., 2018; 2020). Also, the information from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) shows that the annual mean climatic conditions (that is rainfall and temperature) in Nigeria have witnessed huge variation (NIMET, 2020; Egbetokun et al., 2020), which have possible implications for food security.

Also, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and attendant socio-economic challenges, such as lockdowns and restriction of movement and other social and economic activities, have further affected food production and supply resulting in food security concerns in Nigeria. Other burning issues in the Nigerian economy, such as rising insecurity, farmer-herder conflicts, and rising unemployment, particularly among the youthful population, among others, have also made food insecurity a growing concern (Osabuohien, 2021; Popoola, 2021).

Author Bio

Prof. Isaiah O. Olurinola and Evans Osabuohien are staff of the Department of Economics and Development Studies & Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.

Publication Title

CBN Economic and Financial Review

Issue

4

Volume

59

First Page

197

Last Page

219

Recommended Citation

Olurinola, I. O., & Osabuohien, E., (2021). Socio-Economic and Environmental Issues: Implications for Food Security in Nigeria. CBN Economic and Financial Review, 59(4), 197-219.