Urbanization: Its Implication for Sustainable Food Security, Health and Nutritional Nexus in Developing Economies - A Case Study of Nigeria

Abstract: The population of the developing countries including Nigeria, is becoming increasingly urbanized as a result of both natural increase and rural-urban migration. The percent of urban residents in Nigeria as in other developing economies has risen rapidly in recent years. This rapid increase in urbanization poses new and different challenges for food security in the country. Reliance on purchased food is a leading factor in household food insecurity of poor urban populations, who lacked a fixed income. Inspite of the availability of a wider variety of food, the food consumed in urban areas is not necessary of superior nutritional quality and food safety is a growing concern in many urban environments. There is limited knowledge of the similarities and differences in diets, nutrition status and health effects of diets and lifestyle between the traditional rural population and the emerging urban poor. This study therefore seeks to provide insight that will be useful for basic descriptive
information as well as for assistance in the design and execution of health and nutrition projects for the urban poor.