Food, an essential element in man’s life, is a resource that must be readily available to every human being. Food security has been defined as when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to the sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. The world is currently going through a food insecurity crises, an evidence of this is a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization that about 733 million people faced hunger in year 2023.
Food insecurity in Nigeria has gotten considerably high due to the prevalence of inflation, insecurity, periodic droughts and floods and most importantly poor implementation of the relevant laws. The instrumentality of the law in times as this cannot be undermined because the law itself drives social impact and change.
In the words of King Solomon, there is nothing new under the sun, food insecurity is not alien to the human race. Genesis 41 tells the true story of a worldwide famine. Pharaoh was shown the future about an impending famine, God then gave instructions on the steps to take to survive the famine through Joseph- to keep a food reserve during the years of plenty.
Therefore, it is important to draw salient lessons from Joseph, the Governor, in view of the nearest future. The advice Joseph gave to the king can be likened to the job description of experts and policy makers. Like the king, our leaders are also expected to listen to the solutions proffered and set them in motion. Most importantly, all stakeholders are expected to come together to implement the laws in combating food insecurity.
Through the instrumentality of the law- good agricultural practices, reduction of food prices, existence of more food banks, paying attention to climate change especially as it relates to food, provision of food aid and most importantly upholding the right to food shall be achieved. Thus, it is important for lawyers and policy makers to pull their weight in ensuring that food insecurity does not get the best out of our nation and her citizens, just like Joseph did.
Oyeronke Akinpelu
Nigerian Law School, Port Harcourt Campus.
Last modified: January 18, 2025
