Thesis Abstract

Population pressure and food production in Nigeria have been subjects of increasing concern due to the country's rapidly growing population and challenges in meeting the food demands of its people. This study aims to analyze the relationship between population pressure and food production in Nigeria, focusing on the impact of population growth on agricultural practices, food security, and sustainable development. Using a combination of quantitative data analysis and qualitative assessment, this research examines the current state of food production in Nigeria in the context of population pressure. It explores the trends in population growth, urbanization, and agricultural productivity to identify key challenges and opportunities for improving food security in the country. The findings reveal that the increasing population in Nigeria has put significant pressure on the limited arable land available for agriculture. This pressure has led to unsustainable farming practices, land degradation, and reduced crop yields. Furthermore, rapid urbanization has resulted in the conversion of agricultural land for residential and industrial purposes, further exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers. Despite these challenges, the study also highlights some positive developments in food production in Nigeria. The adoption of modern agricultural techniques, increased government support for farmers, and the promotion of agribusiness have contributed to improvements in food production and distribution. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to meet the growing food demands of the population. In conclusion, addressing the complex relationship between population pressure and food production in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates sustainable agricultural practices, effective land management strategies, and policies that promote food security and economic development. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and local communities, Nigeria can work towards achieving food security for its growing population while ensuring the long-term sustainability of its agricultural sector. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with population pressure and food production in Nigeria, offering recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to address these pressing issues and foster a more resilient and sustainable food system for the country's future.

Thesis Overview

Today, millions of people in the world are without food especially in the developing world which has been of great concern as stipulated in the United Nations millennium development goal 1, sub-targets A, B and C to fight hunger, povertyand starvation across the world and ensure environmental sustainability(UNCSD, Aug, 2011) .This study investigated the consequences of population growth on agricultural production in Obingwa local government area in Nigeria. This is a survey type of research and the instrument used for this study was a questionnaire developed by me for the purpose of this study. The collected data was analyzed by the use of bar graphs arranged in columns, showing the number of agreed and disagreed responses(higher numbers in the agreed responses indicates a significant match whereas higher numbers in the disagreed responses indicates no match) to the research questions. The result of this study shows that there is a significant effect of population growth and food production based on land pattern systems in the locality as a result of pattern of land ownership, communal land ownership, individual land tenure system and land fragmentation; rural-urban migration caused by shortage of land available for farmers for food production, higher paying jobs and better educational opportunities, capital intensive methods of production lack of proper land use decrees etc. To put an end to this menace, it entails a holistic approach not only involving the affected people but also people of great concern around the world. This study has therefore suggested that:

• Land polices and its implementations should be amended in the country or create new laws that could integrate both traditional (i.e. communal and individual) land ownership and legal right of land ownership in the country.
• There should be a public enlightenment on the current trend in agricultural production (best agricultural practices/ mechanized farming)

. • Government of the federation should encourage farmers by giving grants and subsidies ( cash and improved seedlings) ministry of agriculture and natural resources management to device means of educating farmers on the need for food security through mass media, Agricultural extension programs/workshops, internet etc.

• The government of the federation should encourage research and development activities in the area of plant and animal production for effective yield in order to boast the agricultural industry in Nigeria. 4 • Government should in its yearly budget, invest more in agriculture as it is an important aspect of livelihood in order to carter for the food needs of the growing population in the country.