Attainment of sustainable food security in Nigeria: the role of libraries

Abstract

Purpose The quest for sustainable food security (SFS) is fundamental to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In furtherance of their pivotal role in providing the required information resources in support of education and research, libraries are expected to assist the economy in ensuring SFS. The purpose of this study is to investigate how libraries provide information to support research in agriculture towards the attainment of SFS in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Descriptive research design was used for the study. Interview and questionnaire were used as the instruments of data collection. Findings This study found that the extent of use of library information resources for SFS in Nigeria is high. Libraries, though facing some challenges, contribute significantly to the attainment of food security in Nigeria. It was recommended that libraries should intensify efforts to embark on media literacy programmes and provide information resources for research on agriculture and food production with a view to actualising food security goals specified in Sustainable Development Goals. Libraries should be well-funded to acquire the relevant information resources to aid research into food security and end hunger and poverty across the world. Practical implications This study suggests having better sponsored libraries that can perform as required in advancing agricultural information needs. Originality/value This study is a creative attempt to know how libraries can contribute to SFS through the provision of information to farmers and lecturers in agriculture.