FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA AND THE ROLE OF SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION

Williams P. Akpochafo

Department of Social Science Education

 Delta State University, Abraka-Nigeria

E-mail: wilakosefj@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Food is one of man’s necessities and its scarcity leads to hunger, starvation, poverty, malnutrition and susceptibility to diseases. Abundance of food ensures good health, improved standard of living, steady supply of raw materials to agro-based industries and foreign exchange. Nigeria’s initial interest in agriculture died down following the discovery of oil and subsequent oil boom. Failure to concentrate on and invest in agriculture has brought its hardship on Nigeria and Nigerians. To reverse the trend, the researcher suggests measures like increased funding, increased interest in research and development (R&D), abundant supply of affordable fertilizers, mechanized farming and increased storage/preservation capacities. The contributions of Social Studies Education to food security are also highlighted.