MUPUTO DECLARATION ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria, adopted during the
African Union Summit in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2003, signifies a pivotal moment in Nigeria's
commitment to sustainable agricultural development and ensuring food security for its
population. This landmark declaration recognizes the paramount importance of agriculture as a
catalyst for poverty reduction, economic prosperity, and rural advancement within Nigeria. By
endorsing this declaration, Nigeria acknowledges the imperative to prioritize agricultural
investment, policy reform, and institutional strengthening to confront the challenges confronting
its agricultural sector and safeguard food security for its burgeoning population.

Scholarly research, such as that conducted by Adeoye and Ajala (2018), underscores the critical
role of coherent agricultural policies in driving Nigeria's economic advancement. Effective
policy frameworks are deemed essential for catalyzing agricultural productivity, attracting
investment, and fostering innovation within the sector. Similarly, Ogundari and Abdulai (2013)
shed light on the significance of food demand elasticities in shaping consumer behavior and
market dynamics within Nigeria. Their findings highlight the necessity for policies that promote
food accessibility and affordability while ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production
systems.

Given the backdrop of Nigeria's agricultural landscape, characterized by low productivity,

inadequate access to modern inputs, and susceptibility to climate variability, the Maputo
Declaration assumes paramount importance. It serves as a guiding framework for Nigeria's
agricultural development efforts, delineating clear objectives and targets to be attained within
defined timeframes. Nigeria aims to realign its policies and strategies with the objectives of the
Maputo Declaration, intending to transform its agricultural sector into a resilient engine of
economic growth and food security.

Moreover, the Maputo Declaration underscores the imperative of collaborative action among
African nations to address common challenges and achieve mutual objectives. As a signatory to
the declaration, Nigeria commits to fostering regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and
capacity enhancement to bolster agricultural productivity, trade, and food security across the
continent. By leveraging partnerships with other African nations, Nigeria stands to gain access to
new markets, technologies, and investment opportunities, thus expediting its progress towards
fulfilling the goals outlined in the Maputo Declaration.

Food nutrition is a fundamental aspect of human health and well-being, intricately linked
to agricultural practices and food security. As highlighted in the Maputo Declaration on
Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria, signed in 2003, the commitment to ensuring adequate
nutrition for all citizens is paramount for national development (FAO, 2003). This declaration
underscores the importance of agricultural development in addressing food insecurity and
malnutrition challenges, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. By emphasizing the
need for increased investment in agriculture and rural development, the declaration
acknowledges the critical role of nutrition-sensitive interventions in achieving sustainable food
systems and improving nutritional outcomes (FAO, 2003).

Nutrition, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the intake of food in
relation to the dietary needs of the body for growth, maintenance, and optimal health (WHO,
2020). It encompasses not only the quantity of food consumed but also its quality and diversity,
ensuring a balanced intake of essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins,
and minerals. However, achieving adequate nutrition for all remains a significant challenge
globally, with millions of people suffering from hunger, undernutrition, and diet-related non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) (WHO, 2020). In Nigeria, despite its agricultural potential, food
insecurity and malnutrition persist, affecting a considerable portion of the population,
particularly women and children (FAO, 2021).

The Maputo Declaration serves as a catalyst for addressing these challenges by urging African
nations to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture and rural development,
recognizing agriculture as the backbone of their economies (FAO, 2003). This financial
commitment is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming
practices, and improving access to nutritious foods for vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the
declaration emphasizes the need for policy coherence, institutional capacity building, and
multisectoral collaboration to ensure the effective implementation of nutrition-sensitive
agricultural policies and programs (FAO, 2003).
Investing in nutrition-sensitive agriculture not only enhances food security but also contributes to
poverty reduction, economic growth, and social development. By empowering smallholder
farmers, especially women, with access to resources, technology, and markets, agricultural
productivity can be significantly increased, leading to higher incomes and improved livelihoods
(FAO, 2021). Moreover, promoting diversified farming systems that prioritize nutrient-rich crops
and livestock breeds can enhance dietary diversity and combat malnutrition effectively.
Additionally, integrating nutrition education and behavior change communication into
agricultural extension services can raise awareness about healthy eating practices and foster
sustainable dietary habits within communities (FAO, 2021).

However, realizing the objectives outlined in the Maputo Declaration requires concerted efforts
from governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners.
Effective governance structures, transparent accountability mechanisms, and participatory
decision-making processes are essential for ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and
benefits across various stakeholders (FAO, 2003). Moreover, investing in research and
innovation in agriculture and nutrition is critical for developing evidence-based interventions and
scalable solutions to address emerging challenges, such as climate change, pests, and diseases
(FAO, 2021).

In conclusion, the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria provides a
framework for advancing the nutritional well-being of the population through sustainable
agricultural development. By prioritizing investments in nutrition-sensitive agriculture,
policymakers can mitigate the adverse effects of food insecurity and malnutrition while fostering
inclusive growth and development. However, achieving lasting impact requires political
commitment, financial resources, and collective action at all levels to build resilient food systems
that ensure access to safe, diverse, and nutritious foods for all Nigerians (FAO, 2003).
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature surrounding the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria
provides critical insights into the factors influencing its implementation and the challenges facing
Nigeria's agricultural sector. Adeoye and Ajala (2018) delve into the impact of agricultural
policies on Nigeria's economy, underlining the necessity for coherent policy frameworks to drive
agricultural productivity and economic growth. They assert that effective policy interventions are
vital for attracting investment, promoting innovation, and enhancing the resilience of Nigeria's
agricultural sector amidst evolving challenges.

Ogundari and Abdulai (2013) contribute to the literature by examining food demand elasticities
in Nigeria, shedding light on consumer behavior and market dynamics. Their research
underscores the importance of understanding consumer preferences and income elasticity in
shaping food consumption patterns and market outcomes. By elucidating the factors driving food
demand in Nigeria, their findings inform policy interventions aimed at improving food access
and affordability across all segments of the population.

Furthermore, studies such as those conducted by Olayide and Heidhues (2017) provide critical
insights into the challenges and opportunities in achieving food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
They highlight the complex interplay of factors such as agricultural productivity, market access,
and socio-economic disparities in shaping food security outcomes. By identifying the constraints
hindering food security and proposing strategies for addressing them, their research informs
policy and programmatic interventions aimed at improving food access and nutrition outcomes
across Nigeria.

Moreover, studies examining the impact of climate change on agriculture in Nigeria contribute
valuable insights to the literature. Scholars such as Adejuwon and Adesina (2019) highlight the
vulnerability of Nigeria's agricultural sector to climate variability and the need for climate-smart
agricultural practices to enhance resilience and mitigate risks. By identifying the adaptation
strategies adopted by farmers and the barriers to their adoption, their research informs policy
interventions aimed at promoting climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development in
Nigeria.

In addition to academic research, reports and policy briefs from organizations such as the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank offer valuable insights into global best
practices and policy recommendations for enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.
These resources provide evidence-based strategies and case studies that can inform Nigeria's
agricultural policy and programmatic interventions aimed at achieving the objectives outlined in
the Maputo Declaration.

The critical nexus between food nutrition and health outcomes has been extensively highlighted
in numerous studies. Poor dietary patterns, characterized by the consumption of energy-dense but
nutrient-poor foods, have been correlated with heightened risks of various diet-related ailments
such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders, as affirmed by Hu et al., (2001).
Conversely, diets abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are deemed
indispensable for optimal health and well-being, furnishing essential nutrients pivotal for growth,
development, and disease prevention, as underscored by the World Health Organization (WHO)
in 2020. Acknowledging the significance of promoting nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices,
the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria underscores the imperative
of enhancing dietary diversity to effectively combat malnutrition, as articulated by the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2003.

Agricultural interventions assume a pivotal role in ameliorating malnutrition by bolstering food

availability, accessibility, and utilization. Smallholder farmers can augment the availability of
nutritious foods within their communities by prioritizing the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops
and advocating diversified farming systems, as expounded by Ruel et al. (2018). Furthermore,
integrating biofortification techniques, such as breeding crops with heightened levels of essential
micronutrients, holds promise in enhancing dietary quality and nutritional outcomes, particularly
among vulnerable populations, as emphasized by Bouis (2003). These strategies resonate with
the aspirations outlined in the Maputo Declaration, accentuating the necessity of sustainable
agricultural development to ensure food security and nutrition for all Nigerians, as articulated by
FAO in 2003.
Gender dynamics wield a profound influence on agricultural practices and nutritional outcomes,
particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. Women, constituting a substantial portion of the
agricultural workforce, frequently encounter constraints pertaining to resource access, land
ownership, and market participation, impeding their capacity to produce and access nutritious
foods, as illuminated by Doss (2006). Addressing gender disparities in agriculture assumes
paramount importance in augmenting food security and nutrition, as empowering women farmers
can catalyze heightened agricultural productivity, income generation, and household food
security, as emphasized by FAO in 2021. Recognizing the pivotal role of gender equality in
agricultural development, the Maputo Declaration calls for policies and programs fostering
women's empowerment and engendering their participation in decision-making processes, as
underscored by FAO in 2003.

Policy frameworks wield a pivotal influence in shaping the agricultural terrain and steering
nutritional outcomes. Serving as a guiding beacon for African nations, including Nigeria, the
Maputo Declaration enjoins prioritizing agricultural development and food security through
heightened investment, policy coherence, and multisectoral collaboration, as articulated by FAO
in 2003. By harmonizing national agricultural strategies with nutrition objectives and embedding
nutrition-sensitive interventions within agricultural programs, policymakers can engender an
enabling environment conducive to fostering sustainable food systems and enhancing dietary
diversity, as articulated by Ruel et al. (2018). Moreover, the implementation of supportive
policies encompassing food fortification, nutrition labeling, and dietary guidelines can empower
consumers to make informed food choices and embrace healthier eating habits, as advocated by
WHO in 2020.

The role of food systems assumes paramount significance in ensuring nutrition security,
encompassing the entire continuum of food from production to consumption. Inefficient food
distribution networks, deficient infrastructure, and inadequate storage facilities can precipitate
food losses and waste, exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition, as articulated by FAO in
2019. Strengthening food systems through investments in agricultural infrastructure, market
access, and post-harvest management holds promise in enhancing food availability and
accessibility, particularly in remote and underserved regions, as emphasized by FAO in 2019.
Echoing the imperatives delineated in the Maputo Declaration, integrated approaches to food
security are underscored, encompassing the entire food value chain, to ensure sustainable
nutrition for all Nigerians, as iterated by FAO in 2003.

Nutrition education and behavior change communication constitute indispensable pillars in

endeavors to ameliorate dietary practices and nutritional outcomes. By fostering awareness
regarding the significance of consuming a diverse and balanced diet, nutrition education
programs can empower individuals and communities to embrace healthier dietary choices, as
articulated by FAO in 2021. The integration of nutrition education into agricultural extension
services can further catalyze the adoption of sustainable farming practices prioritizing the
cultivation of nutrient-rich crops and livestock breeds, as underscored by FAO in 2021.
Recognizing the instrumental role of education in fostering sustainable agricultural development,
the Maputo Declaration advocates investments in human capital development to nurture the
requisite knowledge and skills for attaining food security and nutrition objectives, as iterated by
FAO in 2003.

Climate change emerges as a formidable challenge imperiling agricultural production and food
security, precipitating adverse ramifications on crop yields, water availability, and natural
resources. Smallholder farmers, reliant predominantly on rain-fed agriculture, emerge as
particularly susceptible to climate variability and extreme weather events, as articulated by FAO
in 2016. Mitigating the impacts of climate change on food security necessitates the espousal of
sustainable agricultural practices fostering resilience, adaptation, and mitigation, as iterated by
FAO in 2016. Echoing the imperatives enshrined in the Maputo Declaration, the significance of
climate-smart agriculture is underscored in fortifying resilient food systems resilient against
climate change while ensuring food security and nutrition for all Nigerians, as reiterated by FAO
in 2003.

Market access and trade policies emerge as pivotal determinants in shaping agricultural
development and food security outcomes. Trade liberalization policies can potentiate market
access and stimulate agricultural growth by fostering exports and attracting foreign investment,
as elucidated by Kaplinsky & Morris (2001). However, poorly devised trade policies can
engender deleterious consequences, undermining domestic food production and exacerbating
food insecurity, as underscored by Kaplinsky & Morris (2001). The Maputo Declaration
accentuates the importance of balanced trade policies that buttress smallholder farmers and
prioritize food security and nutrition objectives, as iterated by FAO in 2003.

Civil society organizations and the private sector emerge as indispensable allies augmenting
governmental efforts to enhance food security and nutrition outcomes. NGOs and community-
based organizations can galvanize resources, advocate for policy reforms, and deliver nutrition-
sensitive interventions at the grassroots level, as expounded by Haddad et al. (2016).
Analogously, the private sector, encompassing agribusinesses and food companies, can spur
innovation, investment, and market-led approaches to agricultural development, as articulated by
Haddad et al. (2016). Recognizing the pivotal role of partnerships with civil society and the
private sector, the Maputo Declaration calls for concerted collaborative endeavors to address
food security and nutrition challenges, as underscored by FAO in 2003.

Research and innovation emerge as linchpins in devising evidence-based solutions to tackle the
multifaceted challenges of food security and malnutrition. Investments in agricultural research,
extension services, and technology transfer hold promise in amplifying productivity, resilience,
and sustainability in food production systems, as articulated by Pingali (2012). Analogously,
research in nutrition science can inform the formulation of efficacious interventions and policies
to ameliorate dietary practices and nutritional outcomes, as iterated by FAO in 2021. The
Maputo Declaration underscores the imperative of investing in research and innovation to
buttress sustainable agricultural development and realize food security and nutrition goals, as
reiterated by FAO in 2003.
 CHAPTER THREE

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the multifaceted interplay between agriculture, food security, and nutrition
underscores the imperative of adopting holistic approaches to address the pressing challenges
facing societies worldwide. As elucidated by numerous scholars and affirmed by the Maputo
Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria, nutrition is intrinsically linked to
agricultural practices, food availability, and dietary choices.

Firstly, the recognition of the crucial link between food nutrition and health outcomes, as
highlighted by Hu et al. (2001) and echoed in the WHO's emphasis on diets rich in fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, underscores the foundational importance of
nutritious food access. This recognition forms the bedrock upon which initiatives like the
Maputo Declaration are built, emphasizing the need to promote nutrition-sensitive agricultural
practices to combat malnutrition effectively (FAO, 2003).

Secondly, agricultural interventions emerge as indispensable tools in improving food security

and nutrition outcomes, as evidenced by the research of Ruel et al. (2018) and Bouis (2003). By
prioritizing the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops and integrating biofortification techniques,
smallholder farmers can bolster food availability and enhance dietary diversity within their
communities, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Maputo Declaration (FAO, 2003).

Gender dynamics in agriculture play a pivotal role in shaping nutritional outcomes, with women
often facing barriers to accessing resources and markets, as elucidated by Doss (2006).
Addressing these disparities is critical for achieving food security and nutrition goals, as
emphasized by FAO (2021) and enshrined in the Maputo Declaration's call for gender equality in
agricultural development (FAO, 2003).
Policy frameworks wield significant influence in shaping agricultural landscapes and nutritional
outcomes, as highlighted by Ruel et al. (2018) and WHO (2020). The Maputo Declaration
provides a guiding framework for aligning national agricultural strategies with nutrition
objectives and integrating nutrition-sensitive interventions into agricultural programs, thus
fostering an enabling environment for sustainable food systems and improved dietary diversity
(FAO, 2003).

Moreover, the role of food systems in ensuring nutrition security cannot be overstated, with
inefficiencies in distribution networks exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition, as
articulated by FAO (2019). Strengthening food systems through investments in infrastructure and
post-harvest management aligns with the integrated approaches advocated in the Maputo
Declaration to ensure sustainable nutrition for all Nigerians (FAO, 2003).

Nutrition education and behavior change communication emerge as crucial components in

promoting healthier dietary practices, as emphasized by FAO (2021). By raising awareness about
the importance of balanced diets and integrating nutrition education into agricultural extension
services, communities can be empowered to make informed food choices, echoing the goals
outlined in the Maputo Declaration (FAO, 2003).

Climate change poses significant challenges to food security and agricultural production,
necessitating sustainable practices to build resilience, adaptation, and mitigation, as articulated
by FAO (2016). The Maputo Declaration underscores the importance of climate-smart
agriculture in building resilient food systems, aligning with efforts to ensure food security and
nutrition for all Nigerians despite climate challenges (FAO, 2003).

Market access and trade policies play a critical role in shaping agricultural development and food
security outcomes, with balanced policies necessary to support smallholder farmers and prioritize
food security objectives, as emphasized by Kaplinsky & Morris (2001) and reiterated in the
Maputo Declaration (FAO, 2003).

Finally, partnerships with civil society and the private sector are essential in complementing
governmental efforts to improve food security and nutrition outcomes, as highlighted by Haddad
et al. (2016). Recognizing the importance of collaborative endeavors, the Maputo Declaration
calls for concerted efforts to address food security and nutrition challenges through partnerships
across sectors, echoing the sentiments expressed by FAO (2003).

In conclusion, the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria provides a
comprehensive framework for addressing the intricate interplay between agriculture, food
security, and nutrition. By integrating evidence-based research, policy coherence, and
multisectoral collaboration, nations can work towards achieving sustainable food systems and
ensuring nutrition security for all, thereby fulfilling the aspirations outlined in the Maputo
Declaration (FAO, 2003).

REFERENCES

Adejuwon, S. A., & Adesina, F. A. (2019). Climate change and agriculture in Nigeria:
Implications for sustainable development. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture, Food and
Environment, 15(3), 78-86.

Adeoye, B. W., & Ajala, O. A. (2018). The role of agricultural policies in economic
development: A case study of Nigeria. Covenant Journal of Business & Social Sciences, 9(2),
1-11.

Bouis, H. E. (2003). Micronutrient fortification of plants through plant breeding: Can it

improve nutrition in man at low cost? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 62(2), 403-411.

Doss, C. R. (2006). The effects of intrahousehold property ownership on expenditure

patterns in Ghana. Journal of African Economies, 15(1), 149-180.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2003). Maputo Declaration on Agriculture

and Food Security in Nigeria. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/y5736e/y5736e00.htm

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2016). Climate-smart agriculture

sourcebook. Rome. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/i5666e/i5666e.pdf

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2021). The State of Food Security and
Nutrition in the World. Rome. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/state-of-food-security-
nutrition/en/
 Haddad, L., Hawkes, C., Webb, P., Thomas, S., Beddington, J., Waage, J., & Flynn, D.
(2016). A new global research agenda for food. Nature, 540(7631), 30-32.

Hu, F. B., Manson, J. E., Stampfer, M. J., Colditz, G., Liu, S., Solomon, C. G., & Willett,
W. C. (2001). Diet, lifestyle, and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women. New England
Journal of Medicine, 345(11), 790-797.

Kaplinsky, R., & Morris, M. (2001). A handbook for value chain research. Institute of
Development Studies, University of Sussex.

Olayide, S. O., & Heidhues, F. (2017). Challenges and opportunities in achieving food
and nutrition security in Nigeria. Journal of Food Security, 5(2), 44-51.

Ogundari, K., & Abdulai, A. (2013). Demand for nutrients and staple-food elasticities in
Nigeria: A censored regression approach. Food Policy, 40, 97-109.

Pingali, P. (2012). Green revolution: Impacts, limits, and the path ahead. Proceedings of
the National Academy of Sciences, 109(31), 12302-12308.

Ruel, M. T., Quisumbing, A. R., & Balagamwala, M. (2018). Nutrition-sensitive

agriculture: What have we learned so far? Global Food Security, 17, 128-153.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Nutrition. Retrieved from

https://www.who.int/health-topics/nutrition#tab=tab_1