Wheat Production and Food Security: Global Statistics and the Nigerian Situation – A Review

This paper aims to review the current world wheat production and how it affects Nigerian and global food security. Wheat contains higher protein compared with maize and rice and has been reported as the leader among sources of cereal protein. Wheat has a low glycemic index, therefore, it is a healthy form of starch which is good for the body. Wheat is the most commonly used cereal grain in the globe and it happens to be the most acceptable by most ethnicity, tribe, race and religion around the continents of the world. It is the most suitable in confectioneries due to its gluten content as seen in bread making. The demand for wheat far exceeds the supply which poses a threat to global food security especially in the Middle East and Africa. Wheat is a crucial ingredient in the world’s food supply. Global wheat prices are on the rise as a result of the Russia and Ukraine war, both countries account for about 30 % of global world trade of wheat. From the figures in this review, global wheat production seems to still be at an acceptable level, However, Nigeria on the other hand, is making conscious effort to increase wheat production so as to address food security issues which has resulted in high cost of food commodities.