HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY AND GOVERNANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA
Abstract
Nigeria continues to grapple with severe food security challenges, driven by inefficient agricultural practices and weak institutional frameworks. The persistence of poorly designed policies, inadequate budgetary allocations, resource mismanagement, and governance deficits has significantly undermined the sector’s capacity to meet national food demand. Despite numerous agricultural programmes introduced since the collapse of the First Republic, these initiatives have largely failed to deliver sustainable food security. In recent years, the situation has been further aggravated by widespread insecurity, including armed conflicts and agitations, as well as economic instability and political uncertainties, all of which have constrained farmers’ productivity. This paper interrogates the role of technology and governance in achieving sustainable food security in Nigeria. It highlights the critical link between technological innovation, such as mechanisation, improved seed systems, and digital agricultural solutions, and the implementation of coherent, responsive government policies. Adopting a historical research approach, the study relies on qualitative analysis of both primary and secondary sources, including official documents, archival records, and scholarly literature. The findings underscore the necessity of an integrated strategy that combines technological advancement, effective governance, and community participation. The study argues that sustainable food security in Nigeria is attainable through the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, increased and transparent funding, and strengthened mechanisms for policy implementation and monitoring. Ultimately, a coordinated and accountable framework is essential for enhancing productivity and ensuring long-term resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.