Food Security and Population Growth in Nigeria

Abstract

The influence of population growth on food security in Nigeria was investigated using secondary data on population growth and agricultural output from 1981 to 2019. The selection of one independent variable (population growth) is based on the assumption that other independent factors are held constant, and the rate of population growth may affect the variables favourably or adversely, hence affecting food security. Increased population raises food demand, food costs, farm labour, or leads to over-utilization of a country’s resources, affecting food security. Regression with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results show that there is a substantial association between population growth and food security in Nigeria.  It demonstrates that the country’s unrestrained population growth significantly raises consumption of agricultural production (food security proxy), resulting in food decrease and affecting national food security. The hypothesis was tested using the t-test of difference between Means of Population Growth and Agricultural Output (food security) in Nigeria. The results revealed a statistical difference between the means of population growth and agricultural output (food security), implying that Nigeria’s population is greater than the available agricultural output/commodity, resulting in food insecurity because the mean population growth is far greater than the mean agricultural output. As a result, it was recommended that the government address and control population growth through birth control, family planning education, and strict legislation against polygamy; increase agricultural financing and sustain the pace in order to boost agricultural output and food security; and ensure strict monitoring of allocated agricultural funds for appropriate and adequate disbursement.