AN EVALUATION OF FOOD INSECURITY UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU ADMINISTRATION, ITS IMPACT ON THE ELDERLY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The world is currently facing an unprecedented situation that poses a significant challenge to the sustainability of public systems. One of the most significant societal changes is the ageing population, which has far-reaching ramifications for all sectors of society. The global population of individuals aged 70 years or over is seeing a more rapid growth rate compared to other age groups. This is accompanied by the noteworthy phenomenon of adult diapers emerging as a thriving market worldwide, driven by an anticipated increase in demand (United Nations, 2017). 

The increase in life expectancy does not automatically imply an improvement in overall health. Consequently, the focus has shifted towards addressing the considerable and expensive obstacles associated with maintaining a high quality of life over these additional years. This has become a significant concern for public health strategies, as highlighted by Crimmins and Beltran-Sanchez (2011) and Ziliak and Gundersen (2018). The importance of well-being in older age is emphasised in various international agendas, both for its intrinsic value and for its instrumental benefits in promoting the social participation of elderly individuals. This social participation can have a wide range of positive contributions to society as a whole (Development Initiatives, 2017; Sidorenko & Walker, 2004). Until now, humans have mostly focused on the quantitative measurement of longevity. However, it is now necessary to shift our focus towards setting new objectives in public health, specifically enhancing the duration of time in which individuals are both functional and free from illness, sometimes known as 'health-span' (Olshansky, 2018). 

Despite the implementation of policies and assistance services by several countries to safeguard the health and food security of senior citizens, concerns about the financial sustainability of existing healthcare and pension systems have arisen due to projected trends in population ageing and a lack of research in this field. (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2017; World Health Organisation, 2015). It is essential to prepare for the social and political changes that come with an older population in order to create a more equitable society where no one is excluded.

Food security is crucial for the overall health and well-being of everyone, including the elderly. In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) contends that good health is valuable and that being in bad health is closely linked to being in poverty. Governments should make a deliberate effort to protect the lives of older individuals and decrease the occurrence of preventable deaths and avoidable diseases. Nevertheless, insufficient food supply is a contributing factor that impacts health outcomes. The Food Research and Action Centre (2020) highlighted that social factors that influence health, such as poverty and lack of access to food, are linked to significant and expensive health issues in a country.

As per the FAO, IFAD, and WFP (2018), food insecurity is characterised as the state in which individuals do not have reliable access to an adequate quantity of safe and nourishing food to support normal growth, development, and a healthy lifestyle. Food security and nutrition are widely recognised as essential factors in enhancing human health and development. Research indicates that a significant number of individuals experience food insecurity, a prominent threat to human well-being (Olshansky, 2018). 

Older adults are particularly sensitive when it comes to food security due to their unique position across the four dimensions of availability, accessibility, utilisation, and stability. This vulnerability may impair their ability to effectively use food (Brown et al., 2018). Their particular susceptibilities entail a multitude of obstacles they encounter, ranging from insufficient availability of suitable food to limited access to food, as well as their capacity to actively participate in food preparation, consumption, and maintaining a sufficient diet (Quandt, Arcury, & Bell, 1998; Quandt & Vitolins, 1997; Fernandes et al., 2018). Food insecurity in older individuals might potentially contribute to inadequate nutrition, harmful dietary habits, chronic illnesses, and psychological discomfort (Fernandes et al., 2018).

Inadequate caloric intake and nutritional imbalance can have a significant impact on the health of older adults, potentially leading to detrimental effects on their mental, physical, and social well-being (Alley et al., 2009; Boyce, 2019). This is especially evident among minority populations that disproportionately have limited access to food relative to the rest of society (Strickhouser et al., 2018). Prior research has demonstrated that food insecurity plays a significant role in influencing the occurrence of non-communicable diseases, including heart diseases, some types of cancer, hypertension, stroke, pulmonary diseases, and type 2 diabetes (Bhattacharya, Currie, & Haider, 2004; Xavier, 2020). According to the most recent assessment of charitable food distribution in the U.S. by Feeding America (2018), families with older persons face a higher likelihood of having chronic health conditions such as diabetes (41%) and high blood pressure (70%). These conditions could be reduced by maintaining a balanced diet. Elderly individuals who experience food insecurity are more prone to reporting lower mental well-being, specifically in relation to depression, distress, and anxiety (Brooke, 2019).

The old population in Nigeria is currently experiencing a demographic change, which poses significant obstacles for programmes aimed at enhancing the well-being of the aged. These problems encompass the need to ensure that health care is easily available and inexpensive, to reduce poverty, to eradicate violence and abuse, to enhance social and family support systems, and to provide food security (Bankole 2018). Food insecurity continues to be a significant problem in Nigeria, impacting different groups of people, including the elderly who are especially susceptible because of their limited ability to adjust to unfavourable circumstances. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has prioritised measures to tackle food insecurity. This study assesses the level of food insecurity experienced during President Tinubu's administration and analyses its specific effects on the older demographic.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The aged population exhibits certain demographic and physiological characteristics, such as functional limitations, financial vulnerability, and sensory impairments, which are typically absent in other age groups. Hence, it is recommended to conduct a distinct investigation on the risk factors associated with food insecurity among the elderly and their consequences (Lee et al., 2017). Notwithstanding Nigeria's capacity for agriculture, the issue of food insecurity persists as a major obstacle. The administration of President Tinubu has made significant progress in enacting policies that are designed to enhance agricultural productivity, enhance the distribution of food, and guarantee the affordability of food. Nevertheless, the older demographic still faces an imbalanced degree of food insecurity. This particular demographic frequently encounters physical, economic, and societal obstacles that impede their ability to obtain sufficient nutrition.

Financial resources are the primary risk factor for food insecurity among the elderly, with various other factors also playing a role. The economic factors, including inflation, unemployment rates, housing prices, and tax rates, have significant effects on food insecurity (Bickel & Nord, 2000; Coleman-Jensen, Matthew, Christian, & Anita, 2016; Cook & Frank, 2008; Shobe, Narcisse, & Christy, 2018). Food insecurity is most prevalent among individuals with the lowest income levels and gradually diminishes as income increases (Strickhouser et al., 2018). A significant number of older adults rely on fixed incomes, such as pensions or social security benefits, which are frequently inadequate to cover the increasing costs of food and other essential living expenses. Their financial challenges are worsened by inflation and economic volatility, making it challenging to afford nutritious food.

Health issues contribute to food insecurity through five separate mechanisms: The consequences of food scarcity include restricted access to adequate food, limited practical utilisation of food, heightened requirement for specific nutrients and meal schedules, causing concerns about maintaining a consistent 24-hour balance, elevated medical costs, and decreased appetite leading to anorexia in older individuals (Hall & Brown, 2005; Wolfe, Olson, Kendall, & Frongillo, 1996 as cited in Oshodi, 2019). In addition, Aregbesola (2019) notes that the elderly face challenges in accessing food markets and distribution centres due to physical constraints and mobility concerns. The insufficient transportation infrastructure exacerbates their isolation, especially in rural regions, thereby diminishing their capacity to access fresh and healthy food.

Food insecurity has a complex influence on the elderly, affecting their physical health, emotional well-being, and social and economic stability. To effectively tackle food poverty among the elderly, it is necessary to implement focused programmes that take into account their distinct requirements and obstacles. This encompasses the enhancement of accessibility to nourishing food, the augmentation of social support networks, and the guarantee that assistance programmes receive sufficient funding and are efficiently executed. By tackling these concerns, policymakers and stakeholders can enhance the well-being of older adults, decrease healthcare expenses, and foster a healthier and more robust population. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate the issue food insecurity under President Tinubu administration, its impact on the elderly. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the prevalence of food insecurity among the elderly under President Tinubu's administration.

To identify the factors contributing to food insecurity among the elderly under President Tinubu's administration.

To examine the impacts of food insecurity on the health of elderly citizens under President Tinubu's administration.

To provide solutions for policymakers and stakeholders to improve food security among the elderly.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the level of prevalence of food insecurity among the elderly under President Tinubu's administration?

What are the factors contributing to food insecurity among the elderly under President Tinubu's administration?

What are the impacts of food insecurity on the health of elderly citizens under President Tinubu's administration?

What are the solutions for policymakers and stakeholders to improve food security among the elderly?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: The level of prevalence of food insecurity among the elderly under President Tinubu's administration is low.

Ha: The level of prevalence of food insecurity among the elderly under President Tinubu's administration is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

The investigation into food insecurity during President Tinubu's tenure and its effects on the elderly has great importance for various reasons. Ensuring the health and well-being of the elderly, who are among the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria, is of utmost importance by addressing the issue of food insecurity. The results of this study will have wide-ranging consequences for policy formulation, social welfare, healthcare, and overall national progress.

The study will offer comprehensive analysis and understanding of the precise difficulties encountered by the senior population in obtaining meals. This information is crucial for developing precise policies and interventions that successfully target and meet their distinct requirements. The study's empirical data and analysis will equip policymakers with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions aimed at enhancing food security for the elderly.

Moreover, comprehending the whole scope of food insecurity among the elderly will assist in formulating initiatives that guarantee they have sufficient and suitable nourishment, which is crucial for sustaining their well-being and controlling chronic ailments. The study's focus on food insecurity can help decrease healthcare expenses linked to malnutrition and associated health problems in the senior population. Furthermore, by guaranteeing food security for the elderly, it is possible to alleviate the financial strain on families and the wider social structure. This is because senior folks who are in good health are less likely to necessitate extensive medical care and assistance.

Furthermore, future scholars will utilise it as a thorough examination of the current body of literature. Consequently, other students with an interest in investigating this subject will be able to utilise this work as a current source of content for critical analysis. The outcomes of the study undeniably enhance the existing academic knowledge. 

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focuses to critically evaluate the issue food insecurity under President Tinubu administration, its impact on the elderly. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the prevalence of food insecurity among the elderly under President Tinubu's administration and identify the factors contributing to food insecurity among the elderly under President Tinubu's administration. 

Further, this study will focus on examining the impacts of food insecurity on the health of elderly citizens under President Tinubu's administration and it also seeks to provide solutions for policymakers and stakeholders to improve food security among the elderly.

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human undertaking, the researchers encountered small constraints during the investigation. The researcher's main limitation was the linguistic barrier. The majority of inhabitants in rural communities lack comprehension of the English language. There was a lack of contact between the rural inhabitants and the researcher. 

Another constraint was the scarcity of considerable literature on the subject, as there is a limited amount of data available for an evaluation of food insecurity under President Tinubu administration, its impact on the elderly. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to find the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. Furthermore, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical reach, namely concentrating just on Nigeria. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Additionally, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student and do not have a source of income to sustain themselves. It was challenging to afford transportation expenses to and from the study location due to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by inflation in Nigeria today.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously completing the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Food security: Food security is when a person is able to obtain a sufficient amount of healthy food on a day-to-day basis.

Food scarcity: food scarcity refers to the shortage of food supplies to meet the dietary needs of a population.

Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a medical condition that occurs when a person's nutrition is either insufficient or excessive, leading to harmful effects.

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