The role of science, technology in growing food-secure Nigeria

BY FUNMILOLA GBOTEKU

Nigeria is in dire need of a food revolution, driven by cutting-edge research in food science.

Food science researchers say that the science of food has not been put in its proper position in the country, if not most of the issue of unsafe foods and hunger could have been averted.

They say that by prioritising food safety, security, and sustain- ability, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its food industry, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for its citizens.

Recent statistics have shown that Nigeria’s food security situation is a pressing concern, with significant increase in the number of food-insecure Nigerians.

The statistics reveal that as of 2024, over 100 million Nigerians are facing food insecurity, up from 28 million pre-COVID. This surge is attributed to various factors, including inflation, climate change, and conflict.

The food inflation rate in Nige- ria has been rising steadily, reaching 35.41 per cent in January 2024, up from 33.9 per cent in December 2023. This increase has made it difficult for many Nigerians to access basic food items, exacerbating the food insecurity crisis.

In terms of specific numbers, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported that the number of food insecure Nigerians increased from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024. This represents a significant jump, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions to address the food security crisis in Nigeria.

The Oxford dictionary defines food security as the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Being food insecure is a situation when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from.

Experts in the food science industry are also of the opinion that Nigeria’s food revolution will depend on the collective efforts of researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society.

According to them, by working together to address the complex is- sues surrounding food safety and insecurity, Nigeria can build a more resilient, sustainable food system that benefits all.

To further accelerate progress, experts emphasise the need for increased investment in food science research and development.

However, the path to success is not without obstacles. Nigeria’s food industry faces numerous hurdles, including bottlenecks in food safety and quality control.

The lack of stringent regulatory measures and inadequate enforcement of existing laws exacerbate the problem, leaving consumers vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.

Moreover, the country’s food systems are plagued by inefficiencies, from farm to table. Post-harvest losses, inadequate storage facilities, and limited access to markets all contribute to food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Despite these complexities, Nigeria’s food science research community made some strides in addressing these issues. By lever- aging international collaborations, government support, and private sector investment, researchers are developing innovative solutions to improve food safety, reduce postharvest losses, and enhance nutritional security.

One notable area of progress is in the development of novel food processing technologies. Researchers are exploring new methods to preserve and package food, reducing the risk of contamination and spoilage.

Additionally, scientists are working to develop more resilient and nutritious crop varieties, better equipped to thrive in Nigeria’s challenging climate.

Expressing her views, Prof. Gloria Elemo, the former Director General, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, urged the Federal Government to give priority to food science in order to solve food security challenges in the country.

She opined that attaining sufficient, safe and healthy food for Nigerians through food science and technology was of utmost importance.

Elemo, who is also a Professor of Biochemistry at Lagos State University of Science and Technology, said the science of food must be given respect, if the government wanted to surmount the issue of food insecurity in Nigeria.

According to her, food science involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to understand and improve the production, processing, and distribution of food.

“Presently, we are wallowing in unsafe food practices, because of the present skyrocketing inflation.

“We are currently having reduced purchasing power to obtain healthy foods and this has led to acute hunger lingering in the air.

“Food science plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges and ensuring food security in Nigeria,” she stated.

The professor noted that there was an urgent need for action as food scientists to put out their expertise across the country to help the Federal Government.

She also urged the government to implement some of the policies that researchers had come up with to make food security better in the country.

“We need to make use of what we have to feed the nation and stop importing unsafe foods into the country,” she said.

Citing examples, Elemo noted that during economic crises, regions such as America and Europe had consistently demonstrated resilience, thanks to their robust food systems.