ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITION PROGRAMMES IN ADDRESSING MALNUTRITION AND FOOD INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed nutrition programmes in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria using documentary analysis and evidence from policy documents, institutional reports, and empirical literature. The study examined the extent of food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria, reviewed major nutrition intervention programmes, and evaluated their effectiveness in improving food access and nutritional outcomes among vulnerable populations. The study adopted Entitlement Theory and Social Protection Theory as its theoretical frameworks. Findings revealed that despite several nutrition programmes such as the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, conditional cash transfers, and maternal nutrition interventions, food insecurity and malnutrition remain widespread due to poverty, inflation, insecurity, weak institutional coordination, inadequate funding, and poor programme implementation. The study concluded that nutrition programmes have produced limited positive outcomes but have not adequately addressed the structural causes of hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria. The study recommended stronger social protection systems, increased investment in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, improved policy coordination, and enhanced monitoring mechanisms to achieve sustainable food security and nutritional wellbeing in Nigeria.