Effect Of The National Programme On Food Security On Food Production
[A CASE STUDY OF ANAMBRA STATE]

CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1    Introduction
In this chapter the researcher attempts to look into the other programmes that have been designed towards addressing food security; their successes and failures. She also looked at the meaning of food security among other related issues.
2.2    Food Production
Food production generally refers to the cultivation of crops, rearing of livestock, poultry, fish farming etc., for human consumption. The function of food production is performed by the Agricultural sector of the economy.
2.3    Factors Responsible for the Poor Performance of the Agricultural Sector
Umebali (2004) highlighted the following as factors responsible for the poor performance of the Agricultural sector in Nigeria;
 Inadequate land/ land tenure system/use.
 Lack of basic infrastructures like roads, electricity, health etc.
 Poor financial status of the farmer.
 Use of inefficient and crude tools.
 Poor transportation network.
Lack of marketing and storage facilities.
Inadequate agricultural facilities.
Inadequate agricultural education and extension services.
Lack of farm inputs including improved varieties.
Restriction from customs and traditions.
Inadequate processing facilities.
Low soil fertility.
Inadequate government policy/ programmes/ implementation.
High incidence of diseases and pests
Lack of mechanisation.
He proffered the following solutions for the various problems:
Inadequate Land: This problem should be solved through the following ways;
Formation of cooperatives.
Practising crop rotation.
Use of fertilizers.
Adequate land use laws & regulation
Lack of Basic Infrastructures
The provision of healthcare facilities/ schools.
 Provision of electricity in rural places.
 Provision of information/media centres.
Provision of portable and drinkable water.
Provision of all season roads.
Lack of farm input
i. Input should be made available regularly to the farmers.
ii. Increased research.
iii. Subsidized rates of inputs.
vi. Timely supply of inputs.
v. Inputs should be adequate and sufficient.

Financial status of farmers
i.Provision of loan facilities.
ii. Accessibility of loans.
iii. Formation of cooperatives.
iv. Guaranteed collateral.
v. Storage facilities
vi. Provision of enough storage facilities.
vii. Adequate training for processing and storage.
viii. Government to buy excess products and store for the future.