URBAN FOOD SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA: ASSESSING MARKET INFRASTRUCTURE AND FOOD SAFETY CHALLENGES

Food safety and food insecurity are key issues in developing economies; and an important concern is the poor infrastructural state of urban food markets. This critical review identifies key factors associated with market infrastructure that influence food insecurity, food safety and food quality in Nigeria. Generally, the food marketing situation in local markets is characterised by overcrowding, poor infrastructure, space deprivation, obstruction, litter including food waste, absence of, or poor standards of produce and product labelling, poor market infrastructure and p oor market governance. Findings from this research suggest that adherence to standards and environmental regulation by relevant authorities, while ensuring the need for continuous education of market users on food hygiene and food safety aspects, will support a reduction in urban food insecurity, reduce food waste and improve food safety and food quality. The originality of this study rests on the identification of those key elements or factors that are limiting the efficacy of many urban markets in Nigeria which can have serious implications for public health and environmental degradation if not adequately addressed.