Nigeria

How To Promote Food Security Through Security In Nigeria

by
ImgResizer 20240726 0804 35647

Food security is a mandatory requirement if humanity must sustain its existence on earth. Its absence is a serious threats to life. Food and Agricultural Organization stated that food security exist when all people, at all times have unhindered access to sufficient safe and nutritious foods that meet their daily dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Central to this paraphrased definition of food security are food availability and access, food utilization and stability. These components must consistently interact to sustain and guarantee food security in any society. Besides climate change, Nigeria with a population of above two hundred million people has been facing challenges in food security over a decade. These challenges pose threat to growing a physical and mentally healthy people. Note, food is central to overall growth and development of human.  It is reported, in Q1, 2024 that about one hundred million people are food-insecure in Nigeria. It is also estimated, that about 16% of Nigerians will face severe food insecurity by June 2024. The identified key threats to food security in Nigeria include increasing insecurity in the northern parts which serve as food hub, continued conflict between farmers and herders, climate change, inflation and rising food costs occasion by unstable forex market. This menace is no doubt impacting on all four important aspects of food security highlighted above. It is noteworthy, to submit that, the most significant factor which has negative impact on Nigeria’s food security lately have become banditry, kidnapping, terrorism which are mostly pronounced in the entire northern region. Farm crops are destroyed by herds intentionally unleashed by herders; fires (arson) intentionally set by bandits. Farmers are kidnapped for ransom, taxed and levied by occupier bandits, chased out of the towns/farms for outright take-over by invading terrorists groups. Crops are also seized by these criminal groups. Given above-described scenario, it is arguable to conclude that the main source of threat to food security in Nigeria is insecurity. What is the way forward? To attain standard food security in any society oftentimes requires multi-dimensional approach that must include safety and security of the farm and the farmers. This piece shall make recommendations specific to security. These include; Rejig current security approach: national security has not fared well in recent time. Since resurgence of boko-haram terrorist group, other terror and bandit groups have emerged. Their continued existence, successful attacks, coercive dominance and expansion have proved one thing – whatever Nigeria is currently doing to curb, curtail, minimize and/or prevent the monster of insecurity is not working well. Most disturbing is the proliferation of lite arms and ammunitions which are the major tools/enabler of insecurity. Governments, especially at the centre must prioritize national security, and specifically human security.  Whatever it takes to protect lives and properties of the citizenry should take centre stage. Using the same security approach and system of 19th century to tackle security challenges of 20th century is not the way to go. Security is evolving, so should its management. Establish designated forest ranger: it is high time Nigeria considered establishing well functional forest rangers – a law enforcement agency solely dedicated to protecting the ungoverned space. If advanced economies of the West should have forest rangers, one wonders why a developing state confronting multi-faceted security threats should not go the way. Creating a unit within existing agency to tackle forest security threats is a good starting point, however having a separate agency charged with sole responsibility of guarding the forests in collaboration with others will most likely produce better outcome. Establish ministry of rural security: contemporary criminality has gone rural. The criminals have studied and understood that the rural society is not receiving fair security attention. The rural communities have very insignificance presence of gate-keepers. The hub of farming in Nigeria is in rural areas. To drive its adequate security will require a dedicated ministry of rural security to coordinate how this countryside should be protected. Have stringent punitive measures for agro-based criminality: while it is said that poverty defiles consequences – meaning that a hungry man is an angry man who can dare anything regardless of consequences. We cannot rule out the effect of punitive approach in conditioning or controlling human behaviors.  Punishment for crimes against food security must be proportionate with the intent of such criminals. A criminal who intentionally destroys farm crops, kidnap and kill farmers has intent to starve the nation to death; as such is a serious threat to national security and must be treated with equal or more stiff sanction. To a significant extend, punitive measures deter criminality. ALSO READ: Climate Change In Nigeria And Its Remarkable Impact In Agriculture

Climate Change In Nigeria And Its Remarkable Impact In Agriculture

by
CLIMATE CHANGE IN NIGERIA AND ITS REMARKABLE IMPACT IN AGRICULTURE

Globally, climate change has impacted the world in remarkable ways from global warming to drastic changes in weather conditions, natural disasters to say but a few.In this article our focus will be on climate change in Nigeria and its remarkable impact in Agriculture i.e.; how it has adversely affected agricultural production. Climate change is defined by World Bank as the significant variation of average weather conditions becoming for example warmer, wetter or drier- over several decades or longer. United Nations refers to it as the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. According to Price Water Coopers (PWC), Nigeria became committed to the Climate Change Crusade after attending the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) which took place between 31st October to 13th November 2021 in Glasgow; committing to achieving net-zero by 2060. Her government after the COP26 signed into law the Climate Change Act, 2021 which was passed by the National Assembly in October 2021. The purpose of the law is to develop and implement mechanisms that will foster low carbon emission and develop a sustainable environment in the country. Pre-Climate Change Act, 2011, unregulated activates such as gas flaring, bush burning, carbon monoxide emission, etc. from refineries, rigs, farming activities, exhaust of cars and burning tyres in abattoirs has depleted the ozone layer significantly. As a result we experience changes in weather conditions (hotter or wetter, etc.) which in the long run affected agriculture negatively. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy and dry season. Before the adverse implication of climate changes, rainy season begins from April – September with July being the peak of the rains and a two week August break and Dry season starting from October to March. Coastal areas usually experience shorter dry seasons and longer rainy season and vice versa for desert areas. Today however, climate change has altered the seasons remarkably. More recently we don’t see rains sometimes till May and April is the peak of the heat; the peak of the rains now is August with the breaks now in September. CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE Climate Change can be caused by either natural or human factors. The activities of man most especially during the industrial revolution has released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which has in turn caused global warming in our world. These causes include: Green House Gases emission: Examples are Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. These greenhouse gas has increased the greenhouse effect and caused the earth’s surface temperature to rise. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Apart from humans exhaling carbon dioxide, man’s activities like burning coal, oil or natural gas has led to CO2 emission. Reflectivity or Absorption of the Sun’s Energy: This is caused by activities such as agriculture, road construction, deforestation and emissions of small particles (aerosol) into the air. The Earth changing its orbit and rotation. Solar activity variations. Volcanic Eruptions: This can throw Sulphur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere. Changes in the ocean’s current. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS REMARKABLE IMPACT IN AGRICULTURE In Nigeria, the climate change has led to several harmful effects which in turn has affected agricultural production and these effects include: Increase in heat – related mortality, dehydration, and spread of infectious diseases (meningitis). Rising Ocean current, sea levels, fluctuating rainfall has resulted in flooding mostly in the coastal regions in Nigeria. Cancer of the skin as a result of the harsh weather conditions. Hunger, starvation and death as a result of food shortage. Climate change is a threat to Nigerian Food Security because of the unpredictable length and onset of the farming season which has in turn affecting both subsistence and commercial farmers. Nigeria still practices rain fed agriculture. Rain Fed Agriculture is a practice where farmers depend on weather conditions to begin the onset of farming. As a result of this practice, it has rendered her vulnerable to the adverse effect of climate change which includes, soil degradation which resulted in low crop yields. Rain fed Agriculture practice in Nigeria make farmers wait for the rains before the onset of farming and this in turn has led to shortage in food supply, hunger, inflation, pest infestation to mention but a few. Deforestation activities has increased erosion most especially in sloppy areas, leading to depletion in the soil’s nutrients and in turn causing poor farm yield. Climate change causes (greenhouse gases, Sulphur dioxide, etc.) has deposited unhealthy substances in our soil which in turn has caused the underwater layer to be polluted and then resulting in poor agricultural yields. Flooding one of the effects of climate change has made farmers to lose their farm produce which has led to pollution, pest and insect infestation, hunger, starvation and death. With conscious efforts from our government to implement the net-zero by 2060 and the adoption of best practices to reduce the effect of climate change and its remarkable impact in Agriculture, Nigeria can become a giant of Africa in all ramification. Also read: WORK HABITS AND ITS AMAZING EFFECT ON THE HEALTH OF THE EYES. https://thereadywriters.uk/work-habits-health-of-the-eyes/

The role of Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs) in Nigeria, providing in a proficient way, Proper Medical Services

by
20231026 202037

Healthcare is vital in any country, the well being of the citizens should not be ignored, and it is the duty of the government that they receive the best of healthcare at an affordable and accessible rate and to Nigerian government, it is the establishment of HMOs. The NHIS earlier years was a scheme set up by the government to cater to the needs of Nigerian workers, and over the years, the NHIS are the regulatory agency to cater for HMOs. The introduction of HMOs (Heath Maintenance Organization) is one of the best options the Nigerian government chose to make health services affordable and accessible to citizens. They are subservient to the NHIS who set regulatory framework for their operation and promoting quality healthcare in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was created as a social network program to provide easy access to quality healthcare in Nigeria at affordable cost. All registered Nigerians, received from the social health insurance programme healthcare coverage that needs to be paid for from a common pool of funds contributed by other participants. HMOs in Nigeria Healthcare System Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs) was formed as private entities to serve as agents of the NHIS and cover both the public and private sectors. HMOs is a Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Programme that serves as a social health security system in which the healthcare of employees in the Formal Sector. Funds are paid for from the pooling of contributions made by employees and employers. Contributions for accessing healthcare using HMOs can be accessed by government entities,  private entities, and individuals. To secure health insurance, you will have to find an insurance provider (HMOs) with unique features that fit your health needs. HMO insurance provides health insurance coverage for a monthly or annual fee and is only limited to medical care. Some Key Takeaways on HMOs HMOs plans require that you first receive medical care services from a provider known as the primary care physician (PCP) assigned to you. They become your custodian of healthcare services, and you chose from the list of options offered to you by the HMO. There are two types of healthcare plans that are alternatives to HMOs. They are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and point-of-service (POS) plans. You chose either the PPOs or POS plan when subscribing for an HMO. Your HMO plan mandates you to see your PCP first, who will refer you to an in-network specialist. The PPO plan allows you to see a specialist without referral. This depends on your subscription rate, and your rate determines your service. Your HMO plan warrants you to within your network of providers to receive coverage. With a PPO plan, you still have a network of providers, but you aren’t restricted to seeing just those physicians. It will also be important to note for your well-being that HMO provides more comprehensive coverage to you. HMO can be accessed by employers and employees of public and private sectors, informal sector employees, and other residents of Nigeria. The creation of HMO is to ensure that quality healthcare is rendered to all participants, and the NHIA act of 2022 regulates the actions of HMO. It is essential that you register with an accredited HMO that meets your health needs to ensure you get proper medical service proficient anytime, any day. It is worthy to note that healthcare is fundamental for citizens of a country. NHIS and HMOs play crucial roles to achieve this goal and this is by providing affordable and accessible healthcare. Benefits of HMOs in Nigerian Healthcare HMOs serves as agent of the NHIS and they offer range of benefits to you which include:   Reduced cost price. HMOs negotiate lower price with healthcare providers to save expenses for their members. Improved healthcare access. Accessing healthcare providers through HMOs is easier. Members get care from network of healthcare providers.