This paper discusses the metamorphosis that made security be viewed in relations to the needs of man such as food. The traditional concept of security involved the activities of the armed forces just like in several wars man has witnessed. Nigeria as do the rest of the world are in need of this security; food security which a well engaged “agro-potentials” can bring.
Several causes of violence, conflicts and so on can now be traced to deprivation of food, means to get food or adequate access to it. Stability in Nigeria as well as in other countries is for the most part a function of food security in the country in terms of price, access, nutrition and sometimes stability in prices of the food. Hunger and malnutrition is as dangerous as or even more so than other causes of breaches in security because the effects are not restricted to the poor or less privileged, even the armed forces would be affected adversely.
In essence, the paper puts forward that as a developing country with aspirations of being developed, agriculture should be engaged vigorously to create a situation of food security in all parts of the country in order to avoid the consequences that follow lack of action.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. AGRICULTURE AS WEAPON TO REDEFINE SECURITY IN NIGERIA
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the critical link between food security and national stability in Nigeria, arguing that agriculture must be strategically utilized as a primary instrument to redefine and ensure the state's security. It investigates the shift from traditional, military-centric security concepts toward a broader human security perspective where access to food is paramount to preventing conflicts and fostering sustainable development.
- Evolution of the concept of security from state-centric to human-centric perspectives.
- The role of agriculture in achieving food security and its impact on national stability.
- Analysis of Nigeria's food dependency and the risks posed by food insecurity.
- Strategies for repositioning the agricultural sector as a cornerstone of national security policy.
Excerpt from the Book
AGRICULTURE AS WEAPON TO REDEFINE SECURITY IN NIGERIA
Although Nigeria has experienced security challenges that have been exemplified through the Biafran civil war and Niger Delta’s militancy amongst other representations, a situation of food insecurity can equally trigger much more drastic reactions. For instance, increase in prices of essential foods can bring about food insecurity which is equally inimical to human security in general (Brinkman and Hendrix, 2011). Timothy Besley and Torsten Persson (2008) “find that as a country’s import prices increase, thereby eroding real incomes, the risk of conflict increases” (as cited in Brinkman and Hendrix, 2011).
These view can be further corroborated by a saying of Lord John Boyd that “you cannot build peace on empty stomachs” (Boulang and Dowswell, 2004:31) (as cited in Mbachu and Eze, 2009: 171). For peace and tranquil to exist in a country, the place of agriculture cannot be swept under the carpet which in Nigeria accounts for domestic production, provision of foreign reserve also employment. Without the following effects of agriculture on Nigeria’s economy, there would be a growth in structural conflict which would eventually amount to insecurity; food and national as a whole. In other words, food security is paramount to national security (Mbachu and Eze, 2009). Although this has been the new course of security for countries of the world, it is yet to be realized in Nigeria because the agriculture and rural development sector has not replaced oil and gas sector in the country in terms of prioritizing.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides an overview of the metamorphosis of the security concept and introduces the necessity of food security in Nigeria to mitigate risks of violence and conflict.
AGRICULTURE AS WEAPON TO REDEFINE SECURITY IN NIGERIA: Discusses the transition from traditional military-focused security to a model where agriculture is central, emphasizing the dangers of food insecurity and the need for government policy shifts.
Keywords
Food security, National security, Agriculture, Human security, Nigeria, Conflict, Stability, Rural development, Policy, Economic development, Poverty reduction, Sustainability, Food imports, Domestic production, Agro-potentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the necessity of integrating food security into the national security framework of Nigeria, highlighting that agricultural development is essential for preventing conflict and ensuring stability.
What are the core thematic fields covered in this research?
The core themes include the definition of national security, the socio-economic impacts of food insecurity, the relationship between agriculture and peace, and the role of government policy in agrarian reform.
What is the central research objective?
The central objective is to demonstrate that agriculture should be utilized as a strategic tool ("weapon") to achieve food security and thereby redefine national security in the Nigerian context.
Which scientific methodology is primarily employed?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analytical approach, synthesizing historical definitions of security, international indices, and economic theories to support its arguments regarding Nigerian policy.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the transition from state-centric security to human security, the importance of food in preventing structural conflict, the current reliance on food imports in Nigeria, and the need for sectoral prioritization.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Food Security, National Security, Agriculture, Nigeria, Human Security, and Sustainable Development.
How does the author define the "new security"?
The "new security" is defined as human security, which prioritizes the safety, freedom, and access to basic necessities of the individual citizen rather than just the territorial integrity of the state.
Why does the author advocate for a "blank cheque" approach to agriculture?
The author argues that viewing agriculture as a "blank cheque" for investment would catalyze poverty reduction, rural transformation, and national health, effectively creating a foundation for total national security.
What is the link between the "Arab Spring" and Nigerian agricultural policy?
The author uses the Arab Spring as a case study to illustrate how food price volatility and systemic disregard for agriculture can lead to massive social unrest and destabilization.
- Quote paper
- Priscilla Keshiro (Author), 2014, Engaging agriculture as a weapon to redefine security in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/337188
