Nigeria

This study of Nigeria food loss and waste (FLW) analyzes the potential policy impacts of reducing FLW along the value chain for three strategically selected commodities: maize, tomatoes, and catfish. The study takes into account the differences between food-producing regions of the north (a poor, rural, closed economy challenged by civil conflict) and largely food-consuming regions of the south (an open economy with an increasingly urbanized population). The study found that reducing FLW for all three commodities will allow Nigeria to address key policy priorities, chief among them improving food security. Other priorities include improving rural, low-income farmer welfare; meeting Nigeria’s international commitments to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions produced by food waste; increasing food exports; and reducing food imports while satisfying the nation’s large urbanized population’s shift towards a more diversified diet.