A GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CRISES AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of the global environmental crisis on Nigeria food security, with a focus on desertification, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The goal is to examine the role that governance plays in mediating the link between environmental stressors and the results of the food system. In order to assess governance responses to climate induced disruptions such as droughts, floods, farmer-herder disputes, and insecurity. The study uses a conceptual and literature based approach, drawing on national reports, international policy frameworks, and secondary data from 2000 to 2025. The analysis demonstrates that the detrimental effects of environmental stress on agriculture output and food supply are made worse by weak institutions, disjointed policy implementation, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms.The study makes the case that improved governance frameworks and climate adoption strategies are both necessary to solve food insecurity in Nigeria. The creation of integrated environment, agricultural policy frameworks, improved institutional cordination at the federal and state levels, and expanded assistance for smallholder farmers via climate resilient agricultural technologies are among the priority activities it identifies. The study comes to the conclusion that bridging the gap between environmental disturbances and food security in Nigeria requires inclusive and transparent government backed by international cooperation.