Malnutrition and Food Insecurity: Challenges and Implications for Governance and the UN 2030 Goals in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the multifaceted factors contributing to malnutrition and food insecurity in local communities in southwest Nigeria, with a focus on the high cost of living, low youth involvement in farming, prevalent insecurities, and inadequate government interventions.

Drawing upon the Social Determinants of Health framework and the Capacity Approach, the study examines the complex interplay between these factors and their implications for achieving the UN 2030 goals and local governance responses. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including 35 in-depth interviews and 9 focus group discussions, with a total of 103 participants selected from fourteen local communities. Findings indicate that the high cost of living, characterized by elevated prices of necessities restricts access to nutritious food and contributes to inadequate diets and increased vulnerability to malnutrition. Furthermore, the low turnout of youth involvement in farming hampers agricultural production and exacerbates food insecurity. Prevalent insecurities further impede effective farm operations. Inadequate government interventions and subvention programs, fail to subsidize the exorbitant prices of necessities and provide adequate security for farmers. These challenges pose significant obstacles to achieving the UN 2030 goals and undermine local governance responses.

Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies.