₦airaland Forum

WHY THE RICE FIXATION? – THE ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY OF RICE IN NIGERIA – WAYS FORWARD (BY JIDE OLUTOKE


Genetically and archeologically, the origin of Rice has been traced to China as it was domesticated from a wild species peculiar to Australia. According to 2012 FAOSTAT data, rice is the agricultural commodity with the largest worldwide production after sugar-cane and maize but the most important grain in terms of human nutrition and calorie intake.

The recent economic recession in Nigeria has led to the surge in the price of goods and services both locally and foreign-made. In 2016, the price of Rice has been volatile beginning from January when it sold for N12,000 per bag. As at the end of the third quarter it sold for nothing less than N22,000 and has been projected to sell for N40,000 before the year runs out if local production fails to improve. According to the Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri “close to $22billion is being spent on food import alone on a yearly basis”. In a similar statement credited to Africa’s richest businessman and Chairman, Dangote Group, Mallam Aliko Dangote, Nigeria spends $1.8 billion on Rice every year which makes her the second largest importer of Rice after China. What a feat!

Looking through some few statistics might help us understand better the state of things before now and possibly project into the future.

STATS OF RICE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION AMONG HIGHEST CONSUMING NATIONS

Source: Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
Nigeria is the only country that has her consumption bigger than her production, thereby making her a chief importer.
Rice consumption has gulped billions of dollars and is still going to gulp more. However, the more precise question to be asked is why is it that the demand for rice is so huge? And if traced back, why is it that the trend of rice consumption has been on a progressive rise for the last 40 years? Or rather, how did we catch the rice bug so devastatingly?

Source: United States Department of Agriculture

WHY WE STARTED CONSUMING MORE RICE
Economic Factors
For those familiar with Nigeria economic history, luck smiled upon Nigeria when crude oil discovered sometimes in late 50s. the came the Oil Boom of the mid 1970s. The increase in foreign revenue for the country led to the redistribution of wealth among its citizens thereby affecting the consumption pattern of individuals in a process which Economists call NUTRITION TRANSITION. The Nutrition transition was so pronounced that even after fall in revenue, consumption pattern did not fall back to its original level leading to what Economists also call RATCHET EFFECT.

Furthermore, as income increases, more leisure is substituted for work. Humans, being rational, desire the need to spend more time resting, having fun, eating good food, staying with family etc. Likewise the need to prepare stress-free food also increased, whereby energy demanding African delicacies like pounded yam, Akpu, yam porridge, mashed beans are substituted with less stressful foods like rice, noodles, pasta, flakes, fast-food to mention a few. The change in societal roles between genders, where more females are now aplenty in the corporate world, against the traditional lifestyle where females are limited to the kitchen and rearing of children has also led to demands for foods that are cooked with little energy and attention.

Political Factors
Rice consumption in Nigeria is majorly financed by importation and this has been a source of extreme wealth and income for some group of “opportune” Nigerians. The political system of Nigeria where resources and opportunities are allocated on a “Man-knows-Man” basis has led to a cancerous growth with all sectors suffering from debilitating Hemorrhage. Rice became a tool of political patronage; when it is shared to the suffering masses for votes, or when import quotas are allocated to politically-connected moneybags. We took our eyes off local production.

Based on the data from the United States Department for Agriculture as depicted in the graph above, Rice production in Nigeria hit its highest production level in 2010 and that was in the same year the Dr. Akinwumi Adesina was appointed as the Minister. However, several policies were implemented by the dapper Adesina including attracting over $4 billion worth of investment, improvement in the production of fertilizer, getting over 14 million farmers into the data bank, availability of viable seeds etc. In spite of these strides, Nigeria is today battling with increasing prices and acute shortage of food; especially rice. The data further shows that rice production from the year 2011 till date has not been as high as the 2010 level. The other cause for worry is that there may be policy discontinuity as the fairly new Agric head honcho chooses new priorities.

Globalization
Globalization and advancement in technology has made the world a global village, through the usage of internet and other media devices its now easier to catch up with happenings around the world. This has however affected our culture, belief system, orientation and more importantly our cuisines and pattern of food consumption. An average Nigerian who sees the make-up of food in other part of the world might want to give a try. If however, the process seems convenient, faster, better and presentable, then a need to change from the all-time stressful pounded yam, Akpu, Burabisco etc. in a bid to keep up with the Joneses of the world the consumption pattern will have to change. In an ongoing survey being carried out by Institute for Service Excellence and Good Governance (ISEGG), KFC and Domino’s Pizza are leading the pack as the best organizations in fast food sector. Though it might look far-fetched but there might be an iota of truth that in the next few years Pizzas and Fried chicken will rank among staple food among Nigerians!. See http://isegg.org/?q=service-excellence-survey for the results.

Medical and Nutritional factor
Most of the traditional food produced and eaten in this region have their base from root and tubers which are majorly carbohydrate. Improvements in medical knowledge has enlightened us to dangers in the over-consumption of these foods. Taking Garri for example, it has been researched that most of the garri being sold contain excessive hydrocyanic acid above the normal 10% recommended by WHO. Also according to health experts, garri contains a lots of calories which always end up being stored in our body due to our poor fitness culture. The recommendations from medical experts is enough to scare many Nigerians away from our traditional foods. The Minister of Health recently urged Nigerians to stay away from suya, Isi Ewu and Kilishi because they caused heart problems. The list of condemnation of local food is endless, thereby driving Nigerians to foreign foods.

A thorough analysis of the Rice conundrum vis a vis our general food crisis, throws up a few questions viz;
1. Have we ever thought of processing and re-engineering our food crops to become more competitive in an intense, globalized world?
2. What about packaging, presentation, preservation?
3. What efforts are being put into place to make our food crops available all year round? (Nigeria is one of the few countries that is still battling the seasonal volatility in the production and prices of our food crops. Maize, which is most likely a ubiquitous commodity in June turns into a rarity by September).
4. How can we work on the nutrients value, fiber contents and fats level of our foods?
5. How many of our local foods can we pack in our kid’s lunch bag when going to school?

HOW DO WE DRIVE THE CHANGE?
Educational system
The roles of education and educational institutions in a nation cannot be overemphasized. However the education we emphasize in Nigeria is that of certification where less attention is paid to knowledge acquisition. The hub of research, innovation and invention in a nation is the university. In a society where the institutions are focused rightly, growth and development will ensue. The Food Science and Technology departments with collaboration with family nutrition in Nigerian Universities and Colleges should refocus their energies on how several varieties of foods and food crops can be re-engineered to include the needed nutrients. Also food expert and nutritionist should brainstorm on how these foods could be cooked, packaged and process to meet the world standards. Culinary skills and lessons should be on the fore front of media houses so as to pass down the knowledge to the general public.

Manufacturing system
Food processing could form a basis for development of our economy, and has been indeed recognized to be a major option for Nigeria to forge ahead economically. The ability to put all our foods and cuisines in cans or an airtight containers that could last months or weeks on shelves will also increase the demand for our local delicacies, and will ensure that less food is wasted. Imagine you visiting ShopRite and you find yam porridge, smoked yam, beans porridge etc. neatly packaged on the shelf?
All is not lost if everybody is able to see this connection, if Universities and higher institutions authorities are solution-driven then we should expect right minded graduates to be produced. History and sociology graduates will focus more on reeducating and re-orientating the populace on the need to salvage the nations’ culture and heritage; food nutritionist will work more on educating the masses on several culinary approaches that are faster, efficient and less stressful; engineers and food science technologist knowing fully well that the psychology of the present generation is more inclined to package foods will also work on processing all our foods to a world acceptable standards. This is one sure way of getting the country out of long term depression, since billions of dollars spent on food importation will be drastically reduced, the amount of money spent on local foods will summarily increase hitherto generating employment for the many that will be engaged in the agriculture industry, releasing a lot of fund for productive activities and as well reducing the untold pressure on the Naira.

Jide Olutoke
Economics Graduate, OAU Ile-Ife
Intern at Global Analytics Consulting, Abuja

ephi123:
How does his touring this farm change anything? Can he make any decision e.g. decline not to give out loans on the basis of what he sees while on tour (considering this is a federal government project, I guess not). There is a place for delegation. He is yet to make any meaningful policy action with the economy so touring should be the least of his priorities right now.

The primary function of a central bank is to control the nation's money supply (monetary policy), through active duties such as managing interest rates, setting the reserve requirement, and acting as a lender of last resort to the banking sector during times of bank insolvency or financial crisis etc. Mr Emefiele should focus on his primary tasks and delegate.

shiftmarket:
Hi, do you have contact with rice dealers in Kebbi where one can buy local rice in bulk?

Einl:
A government whose aim is to make billionaires instead of addressing poverty is a failed government.

Sarah Omakwu, senior pastor, Family Worship Centre (FWC), Wuye, Abuja, on Sunday delivered a scathing message to those donating looted money to churches, saying stolen money should not be brought to her church as offering.

According to transcripts of the sermon, provided to TheCable by Olola Seun Akioye, a congregant, Omakwu said she was not castigating sinners, but she preferred to miss their money and have them make heaven.

She also warned older men against sleeping with younger girls because they are rich enough to tempt the girls. She told such men that their daughters would experience the same.

Omakwu explained that she was not cursing those men but she was praying them out of their depravity.

“Any money that you cannot explain to God, don’t bring it to this church,” she said.

“If you are in the civil service and you have stolen money, please don’t bring the tithe to this church; I say this in Jesus name. You cannot do all that and then think you come to church and say a short prayer, that God will forgive you because of Grace.

“In church today, you see Christian ladies dress and there is no difference between them and prostitutes. What harlots wear to the bar, you wear to church in the name of Grace; nobody can persecute you because the devil has you already.

“If you are a prostitute here today, I do not condemn you. You are my sister; you are a daughter of Abraham and your body belongs to the Lord. I know some girls do this because they have bills to pay and you the man, you have the money but you cannot help them unless you sleep with them.

“You the man who takes advantage of those young girls, what you give to them, your own children will have it too. Bible says rejoice with the wife of your youth and let her breasts satisfy you. Stop all these strange breasts everywhere. You may say, Pastor why are you cursing us? No I am not cursing you; I am praying you out of your depravity.

“If you have stolen money, don’t bring it to this church; I repeat it in Jesus name. Someone says pastor, we will miss money. Yes, I will rather miss your money and have you make heaven. Christians should be a standing rebuke to the world.”

Bauchi—Hundreds of supporters of the senator representing Bauchi South, Ali Wakili, yesterday, stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to protest a request by a group, Bauchi South Democratic Forum, to recall the senator.

Wakili supporters accused the Bauchi government of sponsoring the recall move, saying it was a strategy to divert attention and cause disorder in the state.

In a rejoinder by the President, Musa Lar, and the Secretary, Muktar Mohammed, addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, the senator’s supporters, on the platform of Bauchi South Elders and Youth Coalition, said the move to recall Senator Wakili was borne out of selfishness.

A group, Bauchi South Democratic Forum, has requested Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct referendum to recall the senator representing Bauchi South, Senator Ali Wakili, from the Senate.

The request was contained in a letter issued, yesterday, in Bauchi by the group which comprised five political associations from the southern senatorial zone.

The letter said that the senator needed to recalled because he had failed to deliver on his mandate.

The letter made reference to Chapter V, Part I(C), section 69 of the 1999 Constitution as amended‎, which allows recall of a serving senator or member of the House of Representatives through process beginning with petition.

The letter, issued by the group’s chairman, Nura Zungur, said: “As registered voters from Bauchi South Senatorial Zone, we are hereby forwarding stipulated constitutional ninety (90) days period from the date of receipt of this petition.”

The letter cited Article 69 of the 1999 Constitution, saying voters in seven local government areas that made up the Bauchi South Senatorial District, who voted for the senator,‎ wished to initiate the recall process.

They alleged that Wakili had, since his election, failed to give his people the expected representation.
It also alleged that the senator failed to establish offices in his senatorial zone as required by the Constitution.

“His actions amount to ridiculing the senatorial zone, causing disaffection amongst the electorates as well as portraying the image of the electorates, who voted for him, in bad light,” the letter said.

“Based on the aforementioned, we solemnly request for the conduct of a referendum to recall the failed senator from the National Assembly.”

Read anything readable
Look here, at this point there is nothing like reading within your field or discipline after all you are not yet experienced in any field yet. Don’t waste this energy rush, take up any task takeable, read up anything readable and consume anything consumable. You never know when all this will come handy. This was how random knowledge saved me some days ago at the office.


Source: http://naijayouthonpoint..com.ng/2016/10/activities-for-first-5-years-of-your.html

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu on Thursday in Abuja said that the new road map for the oil and gas sector tagged `7 Big Win ‘ will bring about massive development in the sector.

The Minister at the Launch of the programme said that the major focus of the road map would be on Niger Delta and security.

The programme would also focus on Policy and Regulations, Business environment as well as investment drive.

Others, include Transparency and Efficiency, stakeholder Management and International coordination, Gas revolution and refinery and local production capacity.

“The 7 Big Wins expected to grow the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry is aimed at developing a stable and enabling oil and gas landscape with improved transparency, efficiency, stable investment climate and well protected environment.

“The ongoing reform in the sector presents a new dawn for Africa and we are excited about it.

“It shall provide huge investment opportunity in infrastructure development, oil and gas facilities , operations and maintenance across the oil and gas value change,’’ he said

According to him, the effort requires innovative thinking, new ideas, technology and partnership among various stakeholders.

On major issues such as Niger Delta and security, he said the road map would focus majorly on improving security and ensuring environmental safety in the oil producing areas in Nigeria.

This, he said would go a long way to increase the National Crude oil production as well as attract the much needed investment and infrastructure development in the region.

Kachikwu noted that reviewing oil and moribund policies, gazetting new ones and entrenching robust fiscal instrument were also key in achieving the road map.

“The road-map provides a workable plan which will ensure that adequate infrastructure is put in place to ramp up National crude oil production to a target of about 2.8 to 3 million barrel per day.

“Restructuring and revamping of the parastatals by instituting transparency and efficiency at all level of operation will enable us drive profitability and accountability.

Kachikwu further said that deploying a potent communication strategy, building and maintaining robust relationships with stakeholders within and outside the petroleum producing communities would help the sector meet its target.

He added that another major focus of the road-map would be to upgrade the nations refineries and increase local production capacity with the objectives to reduce importation of petroleum production by 60 per cent in 2018.

The minister said that the country was expected to be a net exporter of petroleum products and value added petrochemicals by 2019.

Bants:
Why you so foolish and in your life don't ever comment on page apart from Russia who else practices communism if not north korea and bullying Ukraine is what....Actually what do you know your response is rubbish lacks intelligent and I wont be surprise if you live in Saachi or Moscow....you should learn how putin is killing his rivals and then come with valid points not nonsense

freeze001:
The cycle continues. ..more convoluted now than ever. Hopefully the Senate will be more proactive in its oversight functions and not let crap like this be ignored!
It is necessary to recommend her removal from that office at this point in fact.