FOOD SHOULD NOT BE A LUXURY: RETHINKING FOOD ACCESS IN NIGERIA

FOOD SHOULD NOT BE A LUXURY: RETHINKING FOOD ACCESS IN NIGERIA

BY: BASSEY MARGARET

Food is one of the most basic needs of every human being. We need it to live, work, study, raise families and stay healthy. Yet, in Nigeria today, getting enough food is becoming increasingly difficult for many people.

The rising cost of rice, beans, yam, vegetables, meat and other basic food items has made feeding a family more expensive. For many people, eating is no longer simply about choosing what they like. It is about choosing what they can afford.

For families with limited income, a large part of their money can go toward food. After paying for transportation, rent, electricity, school expenses and other daily needs, there may be very little left for feeding. This makes the rising cost of food a serious problem for ordinary households.

WHEN FOOD BECOMES TOO EXPENSIVE

When food prices become too high, families are often forced to make difficult decisions. Some may reduce the amount of food they buy, eat fewer meals or choose cheaper options.

For some people, this may mean eating the same type of food repeatedly because it is more affordable. Others may stop buying certain foods completely because they have become too expensive.

The problem is that cheaper food is not always the most nutritious. A person may be able to fill their stomach but still not get all the nutrients their body needs.

Over time, poor nutrition can affect a person’s health, energy and ability to perform everyday activities. For children and young people, it can also affect concentration and learning.

THE EFFECT ON YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people are an important part of Nigeria’s future, but many are also struggling with the rising cost of living.

Students may have to manage school expenses, transportation, accommodation and food with very limited money. Workers also face the challenge of paying for transportation and other basic needs while trying to provide for themselves and their families.

When someone is constantly worried about food, it can affect their ability to concentrate on school, work or other responsibilities.

This shows that food access is not only about hunger. It is also connected to education, productivity, health and the ability of people to build better lives.

FOOD ACCESS MATTERS

Food access simply means being able to get enough safe and nutritious food at a price you can reasonably afford.

It does not mean that everyone needs expensive meals or luxury food. It means people should have access to basic foods that can support a healthy and productive life.

A community where people can access food more easily is a stronger community. When people are properly fed, they are more likely to have the energy to work, study, care for their families and contribute to society.

This is why food access should be taken seriously. It affects not only individuals but also families and communities.

THE PROBLEM GOES BEYOND FOOD PRICES

The challenge of food access is not caused by prices alone. Transportation, storage, poor distribution, farming challenges and food waste can also affect how much people eventually pay for food.

Food can become more expensive when it travels long distances before reaching the consumer. Poor storage can also lead to food being damaged or wasted before it reaches the market.

At the same time, farmers may face difficulties getting affordable farming materials, transportation and access to markets.

These challenges are connected. When different parts of the food system become expensive or inefficient, the final price can become difficult for ordinary people to afford.

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Addressing food access requires effort from different parts of society. Government, businesses, farmers, communities and individuals all have a role to play.

Government can support agriculture, improve roads and transportation, and create policies that help make food more accessible.

Businesses can also look for ways to provide quality food at reasonable prices while supporting local producers and communities.

Individuals can contribute by reducing food waste, supporting local farmers and businesses, and making careful choices when buying food.

There is no single solution to the problem. However, small improvements in different areas can make a meaningful difference.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Food is more than something we eat when we are hungry. It affects our health, our ability to work, our children’s education and the overall well-being of society.

A person who has enough food has a better chance of staying healthy and productive. A child who is properly fed has a better opportunity to concentrate in school. A worker who is not constantly worried about their next meal can focus better on their work.

This is why conversations about food should not be treated as ordinary conversations. They are conversations about people’s lives and their future.

Nigeria is a country with fertile land, hardworking farmers and a large population of young people. With the right systems, better support and practical solutions, there is an opportunity to build a food system that works better for everyone.

LOOKING AHEAD

The goal should not simply be to have more food available. The goal should be to create a situation where ordinary people can actually afford and access the food they need.

Food should be available, affordable, safe and nutritious.

This requires long-term thinking, but it also requires practical action today. Every effort that makes food easier to access can help reduce the pressure faced by families and individuals.

At the end of the day, food is a basic human need. Nobody should have to choose between eating and meeting another basic need simply because