A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF FOOD SCARCITY UNDER PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU'S ADMINISTRATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON CHILDREN'S DIETARY PATTERNS (A FOCUS ON LOW INCOME EARNERS IN EKITI STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Food is a vital element of human existence, necessary for optimal growth, development, and the avoidance of nutrition-related problems and diseases, particularly in children. Nutrients are substances that are ingested and utilised by the body to support its healthy functioning. Access to nourishing and wholesome food during the prenatal period and the initial 1000 days of a kid's life is a crucial factor that significantly impacts the overall welfare of the child (Uche, 2020). Access to healthy food is a crucial determinant of a nation's food and nutrition security status (Chapman et al., 2022). The ideal consumption of nutrients by children has a substantial impact on their overall health outcomes and their status of having access to sufficient food. Therefore, the condition of food and nutrition among children in a country plays a crucial role in determining the country's readiness to achieve the goals of eradicating poverty, eliminating hunger, and promoting good health and well-being. These goals are significant indicators of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for the year 2030 and the Africa agenda for the year 2063 (Salim et al., 2022).

The regions of Africa and Asia have the highest incidence of malnourished children, particularly among those under the age of five. According to a research by UNICEF/WHO/WB-JME (2019), over one-third of children under the age of five in Africa are stunted, almost one quarter are overweight, and more than one-quarter are wasting, in comparison to Europe and Oceania. A child is considered well-nourished and food secure when they have adequate physical and economic means to obtain safe and nutritious food (Abdul, 2020). The food and nutrition security of children is influenced by several factors, including the composition of the household's food supply, the socioeconomic status of the parents, demographic and environmental factors, as well as the nutrition knowledge possessed by the parents or carers (Edu, 2019). The household food environment and food acquisition are the main elements that determine the nutritional status and health consequences of children in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Salim, 2022).

Various interrelated factors influence the food patterns and nutritional condition of children in developing countries. The determinants encompass socioeconomic status, eating practices, care and cleanliness, behavioural patterns, environmental and geographical conditions, accessibility to high-quality healthcare services, and policy and social support systems for mothers and children. The determinants of maternal and child nutrition are emphasised in the 2020 conceptual framework by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF, 2020). The global incidence of chronic malnutrition among children under the age of five has been concerning. In 2017, around 155 million children under the age of five were affected by stunting, 41 million were overweight, and 55 million were wasting, according to UNICEF (2020). Approximately 60 million children are affected by moderate acute malnutrition, whereas 13 million children are suffering by severe acute malnutrition. Each year, around 8 to 11 million children under the age of five die as a result of these conditions. Malnutrition is responsible for 50% of these deaths. Consequently, food insecurity and undernutrition in children contribute to almost one-third of the worldwide population of people who lack access to sufficient food and proper nutrition (Wahab et al., 2023).

Inadequate consumption of food both in terms of its nutritional value and amount, is frequently caused by food insecurity and contributes to the heightened vulnerability of children to several types of malnutrition, illnesses, and mortality (Charles, 2023). The global prevalence of stunting among children under the age of five has consistently decreased in recent decades. However, Africa has not experienced a major decline in stunting cases in recent years (Charles, 2023).

Food shortage in Nigeria is impacted by various issues including inadequate farming techniques, climate change, economic instability, and political challenges (Aniefiok, 2023). The issue has been exacerbated by inflation and disruptions in the supply chain, resulting in higher food prices and limited availability of key food items. Nigeria, despite its abundant agricultural potential, encounters obstacles in guaranteeing food security for its populace. Climate change, economic instability, and policy inefficiency have all played a role in causing food scarcity (Aniefiok, 2023). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has implemented several agriculture policies and programmes to tackle these concerns. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these strategies in alleviating food scarcity continues to be a subject of rigorous assessment.

Ekiti State, situated in the southwestern area of Nigeria, is a relevant case study for investigating food scarcity. The majority of the state's economy is based on agriculture. Ekiti State, similar to numerous other areas in Nigeria, is primarily rural and has a significant proportion of individuals with poor incomes. These households are especially susceptible to food scarcity as a result of their constrained financial means (Edima et al., 2023). Lack of affordable and nutritious food has significant consequences on the health and development of children, since they need sufficient nourishment for physical growth and cognitive advancement (Ubo, 2023). Children are especially susceptible to the impacts of food deprivation. Insufficient nutrition might result in several health problems, such as hindered physical growth, compromised immune system, and impeded cognitive advancement (Olayiwola, 2019). The dietary patterns of children in Ekiti State are a significant concern, particularly among low-income families that have challenges in providing adequate diets. This study investigates the impact of food scarcity under the current administration on children's dietary choices, the nutritional value of their diets, and the potential long-term health consequences.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria continues to face a significant problem of insufficient food supply, which has a negative impact on many socioeconomic categories, especially individuals with low incomes. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has taken steps to tackle food security concerns. Nevertheless, the continued existence of food scarcity indicates that these initiatives may not have completely resolved the issue. This problem is especially severe in areas such as Ekiti State, where a substantial proportion of the population comprises individuals with low incomes. 

Food shortage in Ekiti State has substantial ramifications on the dietary habits and overall well-being of children in low-income homes. According to Olumide (2024), the increasing expenses of food, along with limited financial means, pose challenges for these families in ensuring that their children receive sufficient and nourishing meals. The current scenario is worsened by inflation, low agricultural production, and insufficient food distribution networks (Ireoluwa, 2024). This condition has diminished the purchasing power of low-income households, consequently preventing parents from being able to consistently provide nutritious meals at home. Children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are especially susceptible to the consequences of insufficient food availability (Olumide, 2024). Inadequate access to nutritious food can cause poor dietary habits, which can result in malnutrition, stunted growth, and various health consequences (Emem, 2019). The enduring ramifications encompass compromised cognitive development, diminished academic achievement, and an elevated vulnerability to illnesses (Shola et al., 2023). These challenges have ramifications not only for individual children but also for the larger social and economic well-being of the community and the state. Hence, the necessity for doing this investigation.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate food scarcity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, and its implications on children's dietary patterns (a focus on low income earners in Ekiti state). Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the level of prevalence of food scarcity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

To analyze the impact of food scarcity on children's dietary patterns in Ekiti State.

To assess the effectiveness of government policies and programs in addressing food scarcity.

To provide recommendations for improving food security and children's nutrition in low-income household in Ekiti state.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the level of prevalence of food scarcity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration?

What is the impact of food scarcity on children's dietary patterns in Ekiti State?

How effective are government policies and programs in addressing food scarcity?

What are the recommendations for improving food security and children's nutrition in low-income household in Ekiti state?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: The level of prevalence of food scarcity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is low

Ha: The level of prevalence of food scarcity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study focuses on a crucial matter that significantly impacts the welfare of children and the progress of Nigeria. The importance of this study rests in its ability to provide information for policy-making, enhance health outcomes for children, deepen comprehension of socioeconomic factors impacting food security, and offer useful insights to both academic research and public discussions on governance and nutrition.

By conducting empirical analysis and examining data, this study can provide evidence-based recommendations for policy makers and stakeholders. The purpose of these recommendations is to increase strategies for ensuring access to food, improve programmes that provide nutritional support, and encourage sustainable initiatives that reduce the negative effects of food scarcity on vulnerable populations.

Moreover, this study offers valuable understanding of the precise nutritional difficulties encountered by children belonging to low-income households in Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole throughout the present government's tenure. 

Moreover, the study aims to improve the standard of living for Nigerians. The project aims to mitigate poverty by identifying and addressing the factors that contribute to food insecurity. The outcomes of this study will contribute to social stability by decreasing the likelihood of disputes and societal unrest resulting from food scarcity. This study further contributes to the existing information on governance and its impact on food systems, specifically in disadvantaged areas such as Ekiti State.

Consequently, other students and future scholars with an interest in studying this subject will have the opportunity to utilise this work as preexisting information that may be critically evaluated.  

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focuses to critically evaluate food scarcity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, and its implications on children's dietary patterns (a focus on low income earners in Nigeria). Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the level of prevalence of food scarcity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and analyze the impact of food scarcity on children's dietary patterns in Nigeria. Further, this study will focus on assessing the effectiveness of government policies and programs in addressing food scarcity and it also seeks to provide recommendations for improving food security and children's nutrition in low-income household in Nigeria.

The study is carried out in Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti state.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As is typical in any human endeavour, the researchers faced minor limitations during the investigation. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, due to the limited availability of data for a thorough assessment of food scarcity during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and its impact on the dietary patterns of children, with a specific focus on low-income earners in Ekiti state. Hence, a significant investment of time and effort was necessary to locate appropriate materials, publications, or information and gather data.

Furthermore, the researcher's progress was hindered by the language barrier and lack of effective communication. The majority of residents in Ijero villages lack proficiency in the English language. The researcher encountered difficulty in effectively communicating with the neighborhood inhabitants. Frequently, the researcher had to compensate for the services of an interpreter in order to obtain intricate and all-encompassing information.

 Moreover, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographic scope, namely focusing solely on Ekiti state. Therefore, the conclusions of this study cannot be extended to other situations, thus requiring further investigation. 

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while still fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Food scarcity: Food scarcity occurs when food supplies within a bounded region do not provide the energy and nutrients needed by that region's population.

Food insecurity: Food insecurity is when a person cannot find adequate amounts of healthy food on a daily basis. Food security happens when a person does get the recommended amount of healthy food on a daily basis.

Inflation: Inflation is the rate of increase in prices over a given period of time. Inflation is typically a broad measure, such as the overall increase in prices or the increase in the cost of living in a country.