Migration and food security in urban Nigeria: The dilemma of the urban poor

Abstract

The massive inflow of migrants into the cities is responsible for urbanization, thereby causing food insecurity, especially among the urban poor, who mostly depend on purchases, with little or no access to resources to engage in urban agriculture, as well as uncertain access to food via public safety net programs or private charity. This has consequently led to an increase in urban poverty. The objectives of this study are to assess the impact of migration on rural and urban areas, challenges of urbanization, and food security of the urban poor, as well as to suggest ways to address the dilemma of the urban poor in Nigeria. This research consists of analytical work based on a survey of existing literature. The study observed that insecurity and conflicts are major drivers of rural–urban migration and a root cause of food insecurity; consequently, leading to urban poverty. It is suggested that government should as a matter of urgency address insecurity and conflict in order to arrest rural–urban migration, boost food security and reduce poverty in the country.