Investing in sound foundation education: A recipe for food security and poverty reduction in Nigeria

¹Orusha, J.O., ²Chikaire, J., ¹Onogu, B., ¹Tim- Ashama, A., ³Alukogu, C.T., ¹Ohuaka, P., and ¹Nwaigwe, M.O.

¹Department of Agricultural Science, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State.

²Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State,  ³Olivet Heights Secondary School, Portharcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author: Email: bankausta@yahoo.com

Accepted 22 May, 2012

Abstract

Education is key to a bright future for all global citizens. Many developing countries are severely challenged by a vicious cycle of food insecurity, poverty and under-education. The route out of this so-called poverty trap lies in multiple strategies for poverty reduction, whereby interconnected problems are tackled simultaneously. Promoting access to relevant, sound foundation education is a good place to start. This is because more than 70 percent of the world’s poor are found in rural areas where hunger, literacy and low school achievement are common. Education for a large number of people in rural areas is crucial for achieving sustainable food security, poverty reduction and rural development. Poverty education strategies that emphasize skills acquisition, especially, agricultural skills need be put in place for rural and urban dwellers targeting children, youths and adults alike. This paper thus argues that increased investment in education is critical for speeding up improvements in food security. Education in rural and urban areas, improves farmers^, ability to implement more advanced technologies and techniques for crop management. Education also improves rural residents’ ability to find more profitable off-farm employment, boosting household income. Sound foundation education, especially in Nigeria should be relevant to the local context, focus on learners, needs and use agricultural and environmental experiences. This form of education is crucial for meeting with our rapidly changing technologies and increasing globalization necessary for sustainable livelihoods and rural economy competitiveness.

Keywords: Education, food security, poverty reduction, hunger, Nigeria.