CLIMATE CHANGE: AN EXAMINATION OF ITS IMPACT ON FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The primary goal of sustainable development is to prioritise the welfare and adequate sustenance of humans. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritise food security in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. Food security is the objective of guaranteeing that humans have uninterrupted access to food that is both safe and nutritious, in quantities sufficient to sustain excellent health (Tunde, 2022). Mike et al. (2021) define food security as the combination of adequate food utilisation, including both physical and economic access to food, and the actual availability of food. Food security is a global concern that is intricately connected to various factors, including climate change, nutrition, health, and socio-economic challenges such as insufficient food production, corruption, and gender inequality (Carter, 2019).

Based on reports from 2017, 2018, and 2019 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the primary factors that contribute to food crises are crises (either internal or external), the condition of the national economy, and climate conditions. Climate change poses significant worldwide concerns, leading to elevated temperatures, escalating sea levels, and extended periods of drought, among other effects. Climate change refers to the quantification of the extent to which the average attributes of the climate alter during a defined timeframe, usually spanning one or two decades or longer (Nsikak, 2019). In Nigeria, there are environmental challenges that are exacerbated by climate change, leading to negative impacts on sectors like infrastructure, water resources, and agriculture. Deforestation, desertification, erosion, and floods are causing significant environmental degradation in Nigeria, leading to limited access to clean water and sanitation for a large portion of the Nigerian population.

Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from businesses, agriculture, and transportation, are the primary catalysts for climate change. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, possess the capacity to trap heat in the atmosphere, resulting in the occurrence of global warming (Chase et al., 2017). While greenhouse gases (GHGs) are essential for sustaining a habitable Earth, human activities have disturbed this balance by emitting emissions, leading to adverse effects such as alterations in precipitation patterns and the melting of ice sheets. Gbenga (2020) argues that climate changes have a negative effect on crop yield, resulting in agricultural losses, soil degradation, and drought conditions. This presents a substantial hazard to the accessibility of food, the vitality of the environment, and the nutritional welfare of humans. As a result, this has caused global concern and led to various actions, including the acceptance of the Paris Agreement by 196 countries at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, in 2015. The COP21 accord was adopted and acquired legal enforceability in November 2016. The most recent COP27 was held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from November 6 to November 20, 2022.

Food security in Nigeria is influenced by both domestic and foreign crises, economic factors, and climate change. The nation is currently seeing discernible repercussions of climate change, particularly in the northern and southern regions, which are having an impact on agricultural productivity (Ahmed, 2022). Fluctuations in humidity, temperature, rainfall patterns, and heavy precipitation have led to decreased agricultural productivity, poverty, food insecurity, and wars. Nwakama (2023) argues that these difficulties can result in food scarcity, insufficient nourishment, health issues, and escalating food expenses. The scarcity of food has led to malnutrition and chronic health issues, especially among children. Global conferences and initiatives are being implemented to address these challenges and ensure food security in the context of climate change.

Nigeria showcases three unique climatic zones: A Sahelian hot and semi-arid climate in the northern region, a tropical savannah environment in most of the central parts, and a tropical wet climate in the southern section of the country (Edima et al., 2023). Nigeria is categorised as a country with a significant vulnerability to climate change, unlike Cape Verde, Cameroon, South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt (Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, 2023). In addition, between 2000 and 2002, the prevalence of undernourishment in Nigeria was 8.90 percent. Since 2012, the prevalence of undernourishment in Nigeria has steadily increased, and it is projected that over 26 million individuals will experience undernourishment in 2021.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's assumption of office in Nigeria has brought out a pressing and intricate challenge - climate change. Nigeria, with its rich biodiversity and vulnerable communities, must urgently confront the wide-ranging impacts of global climate change that are currently being felt across the globe. The climate change situation in Nigeria is severe, but there is still hope (Ossom, 2024). To effectively tackle the major challenges to food security caused by climate change, Nigeria should prioritise promoting diversity, innovation, participation, and comprehension of the implications of climate change across the entire agricultural and food system (Ossom et al., 2024). Fortunately, there is a significant coalition of scientists, policymakers, farmers, community organisations, extension workers, and other individuals who are committed to resolving this predicament. Nigeria possesses the capacity to become a global leader in developing a highly efficient and flexible agricultural system suitable for the demands of the 21st century. This study seeks to examine the impact of climate change on food security in Nigeria during President Tinubu's term.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Climate change presents a substantial peril to worldwide food security, with its impacts being keenly experienced in nations such as Nigeria. The nation's agricultural industry, which is the mainstay of the economy and supports millions of people, is extremely susceptible to the detrimental effects of climate change. The ramifications encompass modified precipitation patterns, heightened occurrence of severe weather phenomena, escalating temperatures, and the consequent repercussions on agricultural productivity, livestock well-being, and fisheries (Ossom et al., 2024). 

Research has indicated that deforestation is a significant contributing factor to climate change in Nigeria. Deforestation, as defined by Inyene et al. (2023), is the deliberate removal of forests through the act of chopping down or burning all the trees inside the forest. Nigeria is the global leader in deforestation due to the indiscriminate clearing of dense forests for activities such as logging, timber export, wood fuel, and agriculture (Kon et al., 2023).  According to Ubo et al. (2019), the country deforested 55.7% of its forests between 2000 and 2005. Regrettably, the trees that are being felled have a significant role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) through the process of photosynthesis. Therefore, via the indiscriminate extraction of trees for economic and household purposes, the atmosphere is significantly deprived of the mechanisms that should safeguard it against the impacts of carbon dioxide (CO2) (Ifiok et al., 2022). Deforestation has a significant impact on the process of desertification. 

Moreover, Nigeria, as a developing country, is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. A significant portion of the nation's economy relies on natural resources, which are exceptionally susceptible to the impacts of climate change. When the availability and quality of those resources are negatively impacted, communities are involved or affected (Abass, 2022). Climate change can result in the displacement or extinction of entire communities due to the impact of diseases, loss of livelihoods, and destruction of settlements (James et al., 2019). Despite the significant impact of climate change, a considerable number of Nigerians seem to be uninformed about its definition and consequences. This apparent lack of awareness poses a major challenge for the country in its efforts to combat climate change. Nigerians require education and awareness regarding climate change and its potential to profoundly alter their livelihoods. The absence of information and awareness, as well as the lack of understanding and education regarding climate change, contributes to the reluctance of many Nigerians to acknowledge the existence of climate change. Furthermore, the evident absence of government readiness and dedication to advancing climate change adaptation methods in the nation exacerbates the situation. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically examine climate change and its impact on food security in Nigeria under President Tinubu administration. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To find out whether there is a relationship between climate change and food security in Nigeria

To assess the impact of climate change on food availability in Nigeria

To assess the economic implications of climate-induced changes in food security.

To assess the impact of specific policies and programs initiated by President Tinubu administration aimed at mitigating climate change effects on food security.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the relationship between climate change and food security in Nigeria?

What is the impact of climate change on food availability in Nigeria?

What are the economic implications of climate-induced changes in food security?

What is the impact of specific policies and programs initiated by President Tinubu administration aimed at mitigating climate change effects on food security?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: There is no relationship between climate change and food security in Nigeria.

Ha: There is relationship between climate change and food security in Nigeria

1.6 Significance of the study

This study lies in its potential to drive meaningful change in the fight against food insecurity in Nigeria amidst the challenges posed by climate change. By thoroughly examining the impact of climate change on food security under President Tinubu’s administration, the study aims to provide actionable insights and recommendations. These will not only enhance the effectiveness of current policies but also ensure the development of resilient and sustainable strategies to secure Nigeria’s food future in the face of climate change. This study would establish a fundamental reference point for government officials, policymakers, Nigerian citizens, as well as students and academics.

This study provides critical insights into the effectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s policies aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on food security. The findings will inform policymakers about which strategies are working and which need adjustments, leading to more effective and targeted policy formulation. 

Also, the study addresses the direct link between food security and public health. Ensuring food security through effective climate change mitigation policies can prevent malnutrition, hunger, and related health issues, thus improving the overall health and well-being of the population.

Furthermore, future scholars will utilise it as a thorough examination of the current body of literature. Consequently, other students with an interest in investigating this subject will have the opportunity to utilise this work as existing knowledge that may be thoroughly evaluated. 

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically examine climate change and its impact on food security in Nigeria under President Tinubu administration. Specifically, this study seeks to find out whether there is a relationship between climate change and food security in Nigeria and assess the impact of climate change on food availability in Nigeria. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing the economic implications of climate-induced changes in food security, and it also seeks to assess the impact of specific policies and programs initiated by President Tinubu administration aimed at mitigating climate change effects on food security.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As is common in all human endeavours, the researchers faced minor limitations when conducting the study. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available for climate change: its impact on food security in Nigeria under President Tinubu administration. Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate materials, books, or information and to gather data. 

Additionally, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing just on Nigeria. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for further research. 

Additionally, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student and do not have a source of income to sustain themselves. It was challenging to afford transportation expenses to and from the study location due to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by inflation in Nigeria today.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while also fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Food security: Food security is when a person is able to obtain a sufficient amount of healthy food on a day-to-day basis.

Food scarcity: food scarcity refers to the shortage of food supplies to meet the dietary needs of a population.

Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a medical condition that occurs when a person's nutrition is either insufficient or excessive, leading to harmful effects.

Climate change: Climate change refers to the quantification of the extent to which the average attributes of the climate alter during a defined timeframe, usually spanning one or two decades or longer.

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