The Development of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Global Malnutrition and Vitamin In Nigeria

The Food and Agriculture Organization embraces the need for the responsible use of aquatic food systems. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division “works with Members and partners to transform aquatic systems and promote the responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.” In general, more than 2.3 billion people, 30% of the global population, face a year-round lack of access to adequate food. Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 have one of the highest levels of hunger in over a decade.

The establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations began in Hot Springs, Virginia in 1943 where 44 governments gathered and agreed on the need for a permanent organization in the field of food, agriculture, and nutrition. Since then, the FAO has performed a multitude of projects to enhance the quality of life and reduce food insecurity. They have been working with African Union commitments to end hunger by 2025; pursuing an inclusive agricultural transformation agenda to reduce poverty and enhance the resilience of livelihoods and production systems.

In Nigeria specifically, millions suffer every day due to a lack of nutrition. Hunger is a prevalent problem. Approximately 14 million people, children included, in Nigeria are malnourished. The FAO opened its office in Nigeria in 1978 and has been operational for over 40 years in the country. Since then, the FAO has performed a multitude of projects. From 1976 to 2021 the FAO supported and implemented 111 projects in Nigeria. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo approved a 5-year plan to reduce overall hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria by 50%, increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate to 65%, and reduce the stunting rate among under 5 year-olds to 18% by 2025. Currently, Nigeria is the largest African aquaculture producer, though it has no specific legislation on aquaculture at a national level. The Inland Fisheries Decree makes a provision empowering the Minister in charge of fisheries matters to determine whether the set up of enclosures should be subject to a license fee.

The Republic of Nigeria supports the expansion of research and development of sustainable resources such as fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the ongoing fight to decrease malnutrition and vitamin deficiency for all. Nigeria also encourages member-states to take action against the prevalent problem of hunger and use their resources to implement viable sources of food.