Agricultural Revolution: A Panacea to Urban Food Insecurity and Development in Africa

Abstract

The rising urban population across the globe is mounting pressure on food system. More than half of the world population is estimated by the United Nations to live in cities by 2030, This in effect result into increase in food demand. Increseased food demand is bound to come from Africa and Asia among others due to 60% increase of the world urban population whic is being expected from the two continents. Africa can feed itself and by extension, the rest of the world based on its large expanse of arable land, seasonal rainfall and Semi-skilled labour. The study investigated the contribution of agricultural sector output to the growth of economy from 60% in the earlier 1970s to less than 26 % between 2000 and 2007 which used to be the backbone of Nigerian economy in the areas of employment, revenue generation, and food security.Specifically,the study examined food insecurity as one of the challenges posed by rapid urbanizatiom in developing countries and especially Nigeria. its therefore used South Afrcan experience to derive lessons for tackling food in security in Nigeria's urban area. More specificaly,the study acessed Agricultural inovations udertaking in south Africa drwing out over arching lessons that will inform Nigerian decisions on how to better intigrate urbanization in national development planning frame works and processes thereby adressing the problem of food insecurity.Major development that brought about the rethinking of Agricultural practices is the spate of neglate of Agricultural sector since the discovery of oil in Nigeria about half a century ago which need urgent attention. Others are unfavourable government policies on small holder farmers and inability to attract foriegn investment in Nigeria. The study the recommended Agricultural revolution in the form of establishment of multifaceted and linked global strategy leeding to exchage of farm produce and interconnectedness within cities in Africa.