Food loss and waste in Nigeria: Implications for food security and environmental sustainability

Food insecurity and climate change are some of humanity’s major existing problems. Like many other countries around the world, Nigeria is plagued by hunger and diseases that directly or indirectly emanate from food waste and loss. The recent flooding in the country has further worsened the situation to crisis proportions. Food waste, spoilage, and loss account for about 40% of all food produced, leading to a slew of additional issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, and life-threatening diseases that unleash a high economic burden on the country. Many of the reasons for the huge deficit in food supply and security such as pests and diseases, lack of processing facilities, and inefficient transport systems are human-made and can be controlled. This paper aims to look at the scope and implications of food loss and waste as well as its impact on the environment. It also provides action points that will help policymakers and the general population to substantially reduce this problem.