PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN FOOD PRODUCTION AS A MEASURE IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

The present study on public-private partnership (PPP) in food production as a measure of achieving sustainable food production in Nigeria focused on identifying the key factors impacting agri-food PPP in north-central Nigeria. The study used convenience sampling techniques to choose four states in north-central Nigeria for the study. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to the agricultural professionals in Lokoja, Lafia, Abuja, and Makurdi. And only 265 questionnaires were returned, filled out, and analysed. Descriptive research statistics were used to analyse the gathered data, while component factor analysis was used to determine the key factors impacting agri-food PPP in Nigeria. The study result reveals that mistrust among parties, banditry and herders’ activities, funding issues, inconsistent government policy, weak enforcement, and poor orientation in the agricultural sector were the key factors impacting agri-food PPP in Nigeria. The study concluded that effective implementation of agri-food PPP is a sustainable measure for ensuring food security in Nigeria. The study recommends that the government of Nigeria, through its relevant agency, ensure adequate enforcement of the agri-food policy. Stiff enforcement serves as a deterrent to private individuals willing to default on their actual contracts.