Agricultural Development and Sustainable Development Goal 2 in Akwa Ibom State

An Assessment of Akadep

Abstract

Food security is paramount for the development of any nation. A healthy population makes up a healthy workforce; thus, it is pertinent for government to initiate and implement agricultural programmes capable of improving food production, accessibility, and affordability. Akwa Ibom State is endowed with vast arable land for agriculture; however, these lands are not effectively utilised to address food insecurity. The state still largely depends on other states for food consumption, as the bulk of garri, beans, rice, millet, and maize, among others, are externally sourced. Despite the existence of various agricultural programmes, the agricultural sector in Akwa Ibom State continues to grapple with issues such as low productivity, limited access to resources, and lack of effective implementation and coordination, thereby hampering its ability to contribute to sustainable development. This paper assessed the impact of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) on achieving SDG 2 in Akwa Ibom State, which focuses on reducing hunger, improving food availability, enhancing nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture theory was adopted as the theoretical framework to guide the study. The study employed descriptive and documentary methods. It was found that the majority of Nigerians, including Akwa Ibom residents, live on less than USD 1 per day, which is insufficient to meet the daily dietary intake approved by the United Nations. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicated a high level of food inflation in Akwa Ibom State, resulting in widespread hunger due to the high poverty rate. The study recommended, among other measures, that government should properly monitor and fund agricultural programmes to achieve the envisaged objectives.