Food systems in Kwara State are increasingly under pressure from climate variability, economic instability, and social conflict. Evidence from the PALM-TREEs project shows that food systems in Kwara State are under severe stress, with 74% of households experiencing food insecurity. Climate shocks, weak value chains, and limited market access are reducing agricultural productivity, increasing food prices, and undermining rural livelihoods. Climate shocks, particularly drought and flooding, disrupt agricultural production, while weak value chains, post-harvest losses, and limited market access further undermine food availability and
affordability. In addition, farmer–pastoralist conflicts exacerbate these challenges by disrupting production and resource access. Without urgent action, these trends will deepen poverty, increase social instability, and weaken the State’s economic base.

This policy brief draws on PALM-TREE’s findings and relevant literature to propose a transition toward integrated, climate-resilient food systems that address production, processing, storage, distribution, and access.