Food and Agriculture Organization Activities in Sub- Sahara Africa: a Study of Food Insecurity in Nigeria

This study examined the activities of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in addressing food insecurity in Nigeria, within the broader context of its operations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Anchored on the theoretical lens of the Dependency theory and the Malthusian Theory of Population Growth, the research explores how conflict and displacement, climate change, and infrastructural deficits hinder FAO’s ability to achieve food sustainability goals in the country. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilising primary sources to collect data from interviews with FAO representatives, academic experts, and local farmers. The study identifies the multifaceted nature of Nigeria’s food insecurity crisis. The findings reveal that persistent armed conflict and population displacement in agricultural zones disrupt production cycles and access to markets; climate variability exacerbates crop failures and reduces yields; and infrastructural gaps limit storage, transportation, and distribution efficiency. While FAO interventions, such as capacity building, provision of improved seedlings, and promotion of climate-smart agriculture, have yielded localised successes, systemic challenges, policy gaps, and inadequate domestic coordination continue to limit large-scale impact. The study concludes that sustainable food security in Nigeria requires a multi-layered strategy that combines FAO’s technical expertise with robust national policy reforms, community-driven adaptation initiatives, and strengthened regional cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recommendations include scaling up conflict-sensitive agricultural programs, investing in resilient infrastructure, and fostering inclusive policy frameworks that empower rural communities.