A Public Sector Strategy for Providing an Adequate Food and Nutrition in Nigeria.
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Date
1986-02
Authors
Ojo, O. M
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Publisher
University of Lagos
Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to develop a systematic approach for analysing food and nutrition problems in Nigeria, with a view to providing a suitable framework of public sector policies to ensure adequate food and nutrition in the country. Food balance sheets were compiled from national and regional data for the period 1961 - 1982, while food gaps were computed from estimated food supply and demand. The study revealed in the aggregate analysis that per capita calories derived from available food supply in the country were below the minimum requirements for the greater part of the period, while per capita protein supply fell short of minimum requirements throughout the period. When compared with potential demand, available food supply recorded
shortfalls for most of the period. Available evidence from past food consumption and expenditure surveys pointed to the existence of malnutrition among the population, while the regional analysis confirmed these findings, it also suggested that the food situation in the Middle belt and to some extent in the North of the country was relatively tolerable in the first half of the period. There after the food situation in all the regions deteriorated. Also it was found that a high population growth rate and large food waste were important
factors contributing to the food and nutrition problems in the country. The study has contributed to a better understanding of the food and nutrition problems in Nigeria by providing a framework of analysis which can be of immense assistance in the planning process. The application of the frame work to an analysis of Nigeria's food and nutrition problem and policies during the last four National Development Plan periods has also helped to articulate the major factors affecting the food situation and policy implementation and hence provided more informed basis for some common generalisations on the subjects. Through the regional analysis undertaken, it has provided a more objective basis for policy formulation and may enhance public sector resource allocation to various food production programmes. Finally, the more systematic review and assessment of food policies contained in the study can assist policy makers to make necessary adjustments to existing food policies.
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Keywords
Food , Nutrition
Citation
Ojo, O.M.(1986) A Public Sector Strategy for Providing an Adequate Food and Nutrition in Nigeria. University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies Phd Thesis and Dissertation Abstracts, 276p.