ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND ITS IMPACT ON FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined environmental pollution and its impact on food security in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to identify the sources of environmental pollution, examine the aspect of environmental pollution that affect the food security and analyze the economic impacts of environmental pollution on food security in Nigeria. Four research questions were formulated. The instrument used for data collections was structured questionnaire. The population for the study consisted of all the staff of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Benin City, Edo State which was randomly drawn from the entire population of the study. While the data obtained was analysed with chart and simple percentage. The findings show that land, water and air pollution are the major types of environmental pollution affecting root and tubers, legumes, cereal and vegetables which are the major food item consumed in Nigeria. Findings further reveal that one of the reasons Nigeria lack adequate quantity, quality and nutritious food is due to environmental pollution which have led to an increase in food prices, an increase in the rate of poverty, and an increase in social vices. Recommendations were put forward that government should formulate and effectively implement policies and programs capable of addressing the root causes of environmental pollution and also addresses its’ effect on foods. Non governmental organizations are also encouraged to continue to create awareness for the general public on the effect of environmental pollution on food security and the need to avoid it. This will help to mitigate the impact of environmental pollution on food security.