Analysis of Food Security and Its Determinants in Nigeria

Food is a basic necessity of life. It is regarded as the basic means of sustenance, and an adequate food intake in terms of quantity and quality, is a key for healthy and productive life. The right to good food is indicated in the universal declaration of human right. Hence, good food is one of the key requirements for a healthy and effective life. Food security occurs when all people, at all times, have physical, civic and financial means to enough, secure and nourishing food that satisfies their dietary requirements and food choices for an energetic and beneficial life. Food insecurity on the other hand occurs when everybody at all times cannot afford secure and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. Across the world, the consequences of food insecurity are hunger, malnutrition manifested as undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity. These trends are disturbing and worrisome. Evidence continues to signal a rise in world hunger. According to available data, the number of people who suffer from hunger has been growing over the past three years, returning to levels from a decade ago.