FOOD PRODUCTION POLICIES AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN NIGERIA
SIAKA MOMOH
Abstract
Food production policies and their impact on nutritional
status in Nigeria between the Pre-struc-tural Adjustment Programme (SAP) period
of 1970 - 1985 and Structural Adjustment Programme period of 1986 - 1990 are
analysed. Throughout the three plan periods spanning 1970 -1985, overall food
production showed negative growth as compared to an estimated population growth
rate of 2.5% per annum. Calorie and protein supply increased by 28.5% and 20.4%,
respectively, above the immediate pre-SAP per iod of 1982 - 1985. Improvement
in nutritional supply during SAP, however did not manifest itself as improvement
in food security. There is a need to strengthen relevant institutional capacity
to enhance food distribution and, hence, influence food accessibility.
Key words:
food, policy, programme, nutrition