AGRICULTURAL SECTOR FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION STRATEGY 2016-2025

Abstract

Substantial and sustainable reduction in malnutrition in Nigeria will remain a significant challenge without the effective engagement of the agricultural sector. With at least 5% of the global burden of undernutrition in Nigeria, and more than 14 million malnourished children, the Government recognizes that addressing malnutrition is indispensable for economic and social development. While nutrition-specific interventions – such as micronutrient supplementation, breastfeeding, immunization, which address the immediate causes of malnutrition (inadequate dietary intake and diseases) – are necessary, they are not sufficient for achieving adequate nutrition. In fact, implementing the ten most effective nutrition-specific interventions at 90% coverage will only reduce stunting by 20%. Other interventions are therefore crucial for achieving additional reduction. In particular, nutrition-sensitive interventions in areas such as agriculture, social protection, and education are required. Nutrition-sensitive interventions address the underlying causes of malnutrition including poverty, food insecurity, inadequate health services and caregiving, and poor sanitation and hygiene. These interventions are implemented at scale and can reach the poor who are most at risk of malnutrition; and can be used to increase the effectiveness and coverage of nutrition-specific interventions. The agricultural sector especially has a unique role to play because it is the source of food; it affects the incomes of the majority of the population; it influences food prices; and it influences women’s control over resources and the time they have available for optimal childcare and feeding practices.