Undernutrition in Nigeria: dimension, causes and remedies for alleviation in a changing socio-economic environment

Abstract

Undernutrition in Nigeria is a long standing problem which has persisted since the 1960s and whose magnitude is on the increase. This is because food consumption, both in quality and quantity, has decreased appreciably, especially with the commencement of the structural adjustment programme (SAP) in 1986. Available studies from limited data have indicated that the introduction of economic reforms more than anything else has contributed to reduced food intake and the near collapse of nutrition oriented health delivery services. Since the economic reforms may continue into the next decade and beyond, sustainable remedies for alleviation of the problem are urgently needed. Suggested remedial programmes include increased support for the rural farmers, strengthening of the rural credit schemes that are specifically targeted at the poor, distribution of vitamin A and iron supplements in rural health centres, encouraging production of low cost weaning diets and integrating nutrition education in primary health care schemes and in educational curricula.

PIP: In Nigeria, the beginning of the structural adjustment program (SAP) in 1986 marked the beginning of a considerable decrease in real income and an unparalleled increase in food prices. This economic crisis stimulated reduced food consumption, particularly that of nutritious foods, and an increase in malnutrition. For example, in Borno/Yobe States in 1987, SAP contributed to an average decrease in energy and protein intake of 27% and 33%, respectively. SAP also contributed greatly to the almost complete destruction of nutrition oriented health delivery services. Different surveys of nutritional assessment in Nigeria reveal low intakes of protein, energy, iron, calcium, zinc, thiamin, and riboflavin in almost all age groups and in both sexes. Malnutrition and related diseases (diarrhea, measles, anemia, and gastroenteritis) are the cause of most deaths in infants and young children. The underlying causes of malnutrition in Nigeria are poverty, inadequate food production, inadequate food intake, ignorance and uneven distribution of food, poor food preservation techniques, improper preparation of foods, food restrictions and taboos, and poor sanitation. Economic reforms will likely continue into the first decade of the 21st century, so Nigeria really needs sustainable remedies to alleviate malnutrition. Recommended remedial programs are more support for rural farmers through input subsidies and high producer prices, improving rural credit schemes (e.g., the People's Bank) that target the poor, distribution of vitamin A and iron supplements in rural health centers, promoting production of low cost weaning diets, and integrating nutrition education in primary health care programs and in educational curricula.