Food and National Security in Nigeria: A Study of the Interconnections

There are obvious interconnections between land and food production. Land as a possession and its usage for many purposes are quite important in human existence, but this importance becomes more profound because land is the primary source of food and food is a basic necessity for the continuation of not only human existence but the peace and security of the whole world. In view of the focus of this book on the centrality of land, this chapter attempts a study of the interconnections between land, land use, food production and national security. The country of study is Nigeria. The study is relevant particularly in the light of the long standing focus on the military and “hard” dimensions of security in the country and the insufficient considerations for the “soft” and non-military dimensions of security, such as food and “stomach” security among others. The chapter essentially adopts a literature-based research methodology. Thus, it is largely descriptive but also analytical. Its framework of analysis is eclectic, in view of its preference for the deployment of a reasoned approach that draws from among several leading explanations on security and insecurity, and the available courses of treatment.