Assessing the effectiveness of Nigerian Agricultural Promotion Policy thrusts in achieving a sustainable food system

Abstract

To diversify the Nigerian economy and reduce dependency on food import, the Agricultural promotion policy (APP) was developed and implemented in 2016. This policy aims to move Nigerian agriculture to a commercial sector to ensure the creation of sustainable jobs and wealth. However, little is known about the effects of the policy on biodiversity, dietary diversity, and employment and income of the small-scale farmers who form the greater proportion of the food producers. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of APP in achieving social justice particularly for small-scale farmers, environmental sustainability and economic viability through sustainable agriculture. To assess the effectiveness of APP, focus groups discussions were held in six local governments in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. APP food security thrusts of strategic national food reserve, proper use of agrochemicals and tractors, focus on forest food harvest and government support for large scale and specialised farms are very effective for securing food price stability. Moreover, food crop fortification is very effective in providing income support for households as it is the focus on forest food harvest, and access to credit and labour subsidies for small farmers. Encouraging organic farming is very effective in securing access to and availability of diversity of food, biodiversity and employment. Food diversity, soil fertility, biodiversity and employment also benefited from the provision of credit and labour subsidies. The outcome of this discussion is important for shaping the Nigerian food system. Though the APP thrusts are geared towards achieving sustainable development, Nigerian policy authorities should focus more on encouraging organic farming, credit and labour subsidies for the smallholder farmers, creating balance diet awareness, and forest preservation and food harvest to achieve food security, environmental sustainability and employment.