Optimization of Water Policy, Regulation and Technology for Sustainable Food Production in Nigeria: A Review

Globally, over 70% of global water extraction are channeled to agriculture, while in Africa only 7% of agricultural practices use reliable water sources. In Nigeria just 0.8% of arable land is under irrigation, thus promulgating the necessity of water resources optimization despite its relative abundance (estimated at about 224 billion cubic metres) across the nation. This study presents a review on Nigeria’s existing water policies, regulations and technologies, their limitations while also proffering tailored technology-based and policy-based solutions to ensure robust food production. Inaccurate data/information and inadequate framework for water policy implementation remains the major undoing of Nigeria’s water sector which has grossly affected food production thereby making Nigeria a net importer of food. With food demand proposed to double by 2050, proven technology and policy-based solutions were highlighted for robust yield in food and livestock production. Ensuring water quality, use of irrigation/micro-irrigation techniques, ICT in water management, effective soil/water conservation practices and enforcement of water regulations/policies were considered as ways to optimize water resources for improved food production capacity for the actualization of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the nation.Subject AreasAgricultural Science