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 halve 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. Increased food demand is bound to come from Africa and Asia among others due to 60% increase of the world urban population which is being expected from the two continents. But 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 domestic economy and discovered a decline in agricultural sector’s contribution to the growth of the economy from 60% in the earlier 1970s to less than 26% between 2000 and 2007 which use to be the backbone of Nigeria economy in the areas of employment, revenue generation and food security. Specifically, the study examine food insecurity as one of the challenges posed by rapid urbanization in developing countries and especially Nigeria. It therefore used South Africa experience to derive lessons for tackling food insecurity in Nigeria urban areas. More specifically, the study assessed agricultural innovations undertaken in South Africa drawing out overarching lessons that will inform Nigeria decision on how to better integrate urbanization in national development planning framework and processes thereby addressing the problem of food insecurity. Major development that brought about the rethinking of agricultural practices is: the spate of neglect of agricultural sector since the discovery of oil in Nigeria about halve a century ago which needs urgent attention. Others are unfavourable government policies on smallholder farmers and inability to attract direct foreign investments by cities in Nigeria. The study then recommends agricultural revolution in the form of establishment of multifaceted and linked global strategy leading to exchange of farm produce and interconnectedness within cities in Africa.