Chemistry Education and Food Chemistry As a Tool in Addressing the Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Abstract

The scientific approach to food and nutrition arose with much emphasis given to agricultural chemistry to chemistry in general. Nigeria is a nation blessed with plenty of material resources such as landmass, seaports and irrigable swamps that can be cultivated to provide enough food products for consumption and export. But unfortunately, Nigeria is faced with chronic food shortages due to many factors of which climate change, rapid population growth/poor agricultural policy, conflict/political instability and poor storage facilities are the major causes. This paper discussed the nexus of chemistry education and food chemistry, food fortification, and the concept of food insecurity/security. Meanwhile, the challenges of food insecurity demand an urgent and effective application of chemistry education and food chemistry to provide the basic knowledge via crop improvement and agrochemicals. The paper also outlines some strategies for improvement and suggested among others the full implementation of agricultural policy, climate change awareness and proper funding of agricultural sectors