NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security , Food Security

Nigerian Army formalises collaboration with firm on food security

157 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Ivillagro Services Limited to implement President Bola Tinubu‘s directive on achieving food security in the country.

The MoU was signed by the Executive Director of NAFARL, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife and the Chief Executive Officer of Ivillagro Services, retired Maj. Lancelot Anyanya, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The MoU signing was witnessed by the Acting Director, Legal Services (Army), Col. Samuel Okebukola.

In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Nnabeife said the MoU was in fulfillment of President Tinubu’s directive to the Armed Forces of Nigeria to take advantage of all vast arable lands within the country for agricultural purposes.

He said that the Nigerian Army had since keyed into the directives through the NAFARL with the launch of the “Project Planting of One Million Date Fruit Seedlings”.

According to him, the farm had so far planted over 3,000 out of the projected 5,000 within its land in Giri on over 20 hectares of land.

“So, we are determined to ensure that we key into all Federal Government’s agricultural initiatives to ensure that we end this food insecurity in the country.

“We believe we can’t do it alone and that is why today we are signing this MoU with Ivillagro, a well-noted indigenous agricultural establishment that is vast in all aspects,” he said.

The NAFARL boss thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for giving approval for the signing of the MoU to ensure that they build on the already established collaboration with the firm.

He said the COAS was determined to ensure that the farm grows and had assured of his continual support until NAFARL meaningfully contributed its quota to the National Grain Reserve.

On his part, the CEO of Ivillagro, retired Maj. Anyanya, said the MoU was a testament to the enduring commitment of the Nigerian Army to its depth of commitment to assuring food security as part of its wider constitutional commitment to aid civil authority.

He said that their commitment to the enterprise was not just driven by business or pecuniary considerations but an indication of their enduring commitment as Nigerians to make the country a better space for everyone to live in.

“As the saying goes, an army marches on its belly.

“So, I hope that together we can leverage technology, the institutional goodwill of the Nigerian Army, and other players in this vital ecosystem to support first the army in attaining self-sufficiency to make sure that our army, which is currently committed in multiple theaters to multiple operations, can truly march on a satisfied belly.

“And then onwards that our country will benefit from the understandable investment it is making and should continue to make in the Nigerian Army and indeed the Nigerian Armed Forces and other institutions of state.

“We will partner with you in every true sense of the word.

“We cannot ask for better partners in our commitment as a corporate entity than the Nigerian Army,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike and Yakubu Uba

Agriculture , Food Security

University of Plymouth, NWRI partner to advance climate-smart agriculture

191 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The University of Plymouth in the UK and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) in Kaduna, have announced a new partnership to advance research on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Nigeria and Ghana.

The announcement was made at the Soil Health for Productivity and Climate Resilience Workshop in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. William Blake, the Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth, stressed the importance of international collaboration toward tackling global challenges such as food security and climate change.

He said “this partnership underscores the growing importance of cross-border cooperation to address critical issues like sustainable land management and water resources.

“By focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture, we aim to boost agricultural productivity, while adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

According to him, the workshop focuses on strategies to improve soil health and adopt sustainable water management practices to boost agricultural productivity and enhance climate resilience.

Blake also stressed the importance of research that supports CSA at both small and large scales, from farm to river basin, ensuring sustainability across different levels.

He added that “this collaboration is particularly important for West Africa, where shared climate challenges demand locally-adaptable solutions.

“Our goal is to develop solutions that address food security while also building resilience to climate change.”

Prof. Kevin Jones, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Plymouth University, emphasised the institution’s long-standing commitment to addressing global challenges through practical research.

Jones noted the university’s focus on environmental sustainability, particularly in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its ongoing work in marine and maritime sectors.

He also emphasised the importance of scientific and technological advances in ensuring sustainable agriculture for the future.

This, he said, include focusing on soil health, ensuring productive crops and knowledge sharing to tackle environmental issues globally.

Jones also identified Nigeria as key partner in these efforts, pointing out the potential for UK-Nigeria collaboration to produce innovative solutions with global applications.

He said “global partnerships are crucial for the future. The challenges we face today are global in nature, and we need to bring together the best expertise from around the world to ensure the planet’s future is in good hands.”

Dr Omogbemi Yaya, the Director of the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management at NWRI, explained that the partnership is supported by the UNESCO-affiliated Regional Centre for Integrated Rural Business Management.

He said the collaboration would focus on shared priorities, including rural business management, capacity building and sustainable development, with emphasis on research and teaching.

He added that “this strategic partnership between NWRI and the University of Plymouth will leverage the strength of both institutions in water resources and academic research.

“Our goal is to collaborate on research that addresses key challenges faced by rural communities.

“The partnership reflects the institute’s commitment to global collaborations and supports the university’s mission to influence sustainable development.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss strategies toward
tackling food security and climate resilience in West Africa.

The partnership is funded with £30,000 under the Innovate UK Scoping Project for Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships: UK-Brazil-Africa.

The National Water Resources Institute, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, was established in 1979.

It is tasked with training and retraining water engineers, technologists and technicians in the water resources sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Agriculture , Food Security

Unethical practices in cocoa production leading to avoidable losses – FG

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By Suleiman Shehu

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has advised cocoa farmers to shun unethical practices which have been leading to avoidable losses in cocoa production.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, gave the advice during the 60th anniversary of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan on Monday.

Kyari, who was represented by FMAFS South-West Zonal Director, Mrs Olayinka Akeredolu, observed that cocoa farmers cut corners by rushing cocoa’s processing and production stages.

“When cocoa is exported, they are tested and these sharp practices, which our people have done, are discovered.

“The implication of this may be the rejection of our product and, when they are rejected, it is a big loss to farmers, investors and Nigeria in general,” he said.

The minister said Federal Government would prefer that things are done properly to enable farmers gain from the efforts invested in producing the commodity.

He then urged cocoa farmers to seek counsel and interact with research institutes and extension agents whenever they have problems.

The minister further urged the farmers to add value to their production to enjoy better income and gain from their efforts.

“I will encourage them to continue to plant new cocoa when the ones they have are getting old. We have improved varieties in our research institutes, which they can purchase and plant.

“They need to adopt technology in the improvement of their production,” he said.

Kyari commended CRIN for its tremendous contributions and improvement over the years in developing its mandate crops, which include cocoa, kola, cashew, coffee, tea and plant plum.

“The Federal Government rejoices you on your 60th anniversary and encourages you to continue to do more to attain the fulfillment of your mandate and contributions to the country’s GDP,” he said.

Earlier, CRIN Executive Director, Dr Patrick Adebola, had commended the Federal Government as well as the staff of the institute for their support and commitment.

Adebola reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to leading the charge in agriculture innovation, leveraging science and technology to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ livelihood in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

 

Food Security , Science & Tech

NBRDA to support farmers with agricultural technology – D-G

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By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), has expressed the agency’s readiness to support farmers with technology to boost food production in the country.

Mustapha said this when the Islamic Green Club and Empowerment Initiative, a registered faith-based organisation paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, this is an era of technology where nations deploy technology in agriculture to produce their food and cash crops for sustainable growth and development.

“If we do not support our farmers with technology as other countries are doing, what are we going to do?

“Are we going to fold our hands until other countries that use technology to produce their crops for us to go and buy from them?

“The crops that have been commercially released in this country, Tela maize, cowpea and Biotech (Bt) cotton are very essential in terms of development of our nation economically,’’ he said.

The NBRDA boss stated that these genetically modified crops created job opportunities and helped in reducing foreign exchange for food importation.

He added that the climate smart crops were exemplary in the attempt of finding a solution around climate change that was affecting the country and the rest of the world.

Mustapha said that the misinformation about Generically Modified Organisms (GMOs) was being sponsored by people who were trying to bring down the country’s efforts in reducing hunger and malnutrition.

“With the release of Tela maize, a lot has been achieved, we are no longer going to be importing all those GMOs that are being cultivated outside the country,’’ he said.

The D-G said that he requested some farmers to give him an update on their yields in the last planting season.

He said that farmers realised that due to insufficient rainfall, those that planted local seeds did not harvest close to half of what they expected to harvest.

“But those that planted Bt cowpea have harvested fully because it has yielded with the shortest possible time even though the rain did not reach, which is an advantage,’’ he said.

Mustapha assured that his agency was ready to deploy science and technology to improve food production and supply in line with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda which also includes food security.

He expressed hope that the club’s visit would open a new chapter of advocacy of using technology in the development of the country, especially technology in agriculture.

Earlier, Hajiya Bola Usman, President of the Islamic Green Club and Empowerment Initiative, urged lawmakers to pay an oversight visit to agencies under difficult and unfavourable condition for an on-the-spot assessment and proper regulation.

Usman noted that the visit was to enable the club to gather some relevant materials to support its stand on the subject matter relating to GMOs.

“I am not qualified to make a pronouncement as far as research is concerned, neither do I want to make complementary pronouncements on this burning issue.

“But I am appealing to all concerned stakeholders to be cautious in order not to be misled.

“I observe that while government is planning, some people are counter-planning for obvious reasons not far from mischievousness or self-centeredness,’’ Usman said.

She said other Africa countries were making money through crops and that Nigerians should jettison negativity surrounding technology in agriculture.

She said the technologies, condemned by Nigerians locally, were ones that made other countries to advance and compete with developed nations through cooperation and understanding between governments and the governed.

Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, NBRDA acknowledged the role of faith-based organisation in reaching out to the people at the grassroots with accurate information about biotechnology.

She lauded the organisation for bringing the partnership to support technology in agriculture to enhance food production. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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Agriculture , Food Security

Agric show: Stakeholders task FG on food security by 2025

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By Felicia Imohimi

Agricultural stakeholders in Nigeria have stated that achieving food security by 2025 will only be possible if farmers’ security is guaranteed.

Speaking at the ongoing 16th National Agricultural Show (NAS) in Tudun Wada, Nasarawa, the stakeholders called on the government to address the various challenges hindering the sector’s progress.

The participants included the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN), farmers’ associations, Agricultural Research Institutes, the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), and the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), among others.

The 2024 edition of the NAS, held at the National Agricultural Showground along the Abuja-Keffi Road, is themed ‘Incentivising Smallholder Farmers to Scale for the Attainment of Food Security’.

Key challenges highlighted included the high cost of inputs, lack of mechanisation, transportation costs, insecurity, policy implementation failures, and post-harvest losses.

Arch. Kabir Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NAFN and President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), identified insecurity as the greatest threat to food security, followed by climate change.

He called on the government to create an enabling environment for Smallholder Farmers (SHFs) to increase productivity, emphasising the importance of regional staple food production, improved storage systems, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.

“It is exceedingly difficult to achieve food security without identifying regional staple foods and scaling their production, processing, and distribution,” he said.

He also urged the adoption of science, technology, and innovation to transform the food system, describing it as crucial for overcoming the challenges facing the sector.

Ibrahim commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for declaring a state of emergency on food security, which he said had motivated SHFs to work towards food sufficiency.

He, however, stressed the need for further support, particularly in the absence of widespread mechanisation.

He also praised the government for signing a memorandum of understanding with Brazil to boost agribusiness, describing it as essential for improving SHFs’ productivity and attracting private sector investments.

“This initiative will generate agribusiness activities in all 774 local government areas, attracting $4.3 billion in private sector investment to agriculture. Such incentives are key to achieving food security,” Ibrahim added.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State called on the Federal Government to prioritise the National Agricultural Show by investing in infrastructure to enhance its annual exhibitions.

Represented by Abubakar Madaki, Chairman of Karu Local Government, Sule emphasised the need to showcase Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources effectively.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the government was implementing measures to address farmers’ challenges and improve the sector’s performance.

Mr Jafar Umar, Director General of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), highlighted the organisation’s commitment to reducing poverty, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of the agricultural economy.

He noted that NABG’s investments span the entire value chain, from inputs and equipment to export markets and consumer food manufacturing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Agriculture , Food Security

Water, Power ministries sign MOU on $500m irrigation, hydropower project

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Power, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project.

The 500 million dollars World Bank SPIN project aims to enhance dam safety and improve water resource management for hydropower and irrigation across 25 states.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said that the joint effort reflects the synergy required to implement transformational projects.

Utsev stated that the ministry’s mandate includes boosting food production, creating jobs for women and youth, and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

“Today’s occasion marks another step towards achieving these goals and repositioning the country,” he stated.

He said that the initiative, approved by President BolaTinubu, reflected the administration’s commitment to inter-ministerial collaboration for delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.

Utsev also acknowledged the ongoing support of the World Bank, describing it as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s development journey.

He cited initiatives like the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, concluding in January 2025, as foundations for innovative solutions in water and agriculture.

“We are confident that the SPIN project will build on this legacy by boosting food production and meeting the irrigation needs of our growing population,” he added.

As Chairman of the SPIN Preparatory Team, Utsev assured stakeholders of the ministries’ and partners’ full commitment to the successful implementation of the project.

“Our collective efforts have brought us to this significant moment, and I am confident that SPIN will deliver the tangible benefits Nigerians are eagerly anticipating,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, noted the importance of the partnership in achieving sustainable hydropower development and enhancing energy security across Nigeria.

He noted that while Nigeria is rich in water resources across its river basins, only about 2 per cent of the country’s estimated 14 gigawatts of hydropower potential has been harnessed.

“The signing of this MOU is a key step in ensuring Nigeria’s energy future is powered by clean, renewable sources, in line with the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.

“We aim to optimise our natural resources, diversify our energy mix, and tackle climate change,” Adelabu said.

He emphasised that fully exploiting this potential could transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and providing sustainable power for millions.

He said under Tinubu’s leadership, the administration has committed to addressing energy challenges by prioritising energy’s vital role in economic growth and job creation.

“As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government has introduced several legislative and policy measures, including the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralises the electricity market and allows subnational governments to participate.”

Adelabu also stressed the role of distributed energy systems in enhancing reliability.

“Decentralised power generation enables local governments and private investors to develop embedded energy systems, reducing risks to national grid infrastructure.

“This, alongside our renewable energy potential, especially in solar and hydropower, forms the foundation of our sustainable energy strategy.”

He pointed out that Nigeria’s northern states, with 8 to 12 hours of sunshine daily, offer opportunities for solar power, while hydropower remains key to the energy mix.

Adelabu reaffirmed that harnessing hydropower potential and fostering partnerships would ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 25 states have shown interest in SPIN project; Benue, Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Niger, Gombe, Sokoto, Enugu, Bauchi, Cross River, and Nasarawa.

Others are Ekiti, Kebbi, Plateau, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Abia, Kwara, Imo, Taraba, Kano, Delta, Osun, Jigawa, Edo, and Kogi. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Food Security

How agricpreneurs contribute to food security, wealth creation

391 total views today

 

By Vivian Ihechu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Ms Rakiya Sadiq’s story is an inspiration for youths especially women in agriculture.

Sadiq, a beneficiary of the Golden Morn Agripreneurship Programme of Nestle Nigeria PLC, through her farm, is contributing to ensuring food security and reducing hunger in the country.

A graduate of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Sadiq is the Chief Executive Officer of Zulru Integrated Farms, an integrated farm company into the cultivation of cereal crops and livestock, located in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Her business was incorporated in January 2021 in Jos, Plateau State, before extending to Bauchi.

Necessitated by the need to be self-employed and contribute to increasing food produce, Sadiq said she went into agriculture, focusing on cereal crops like maize, rice, and soya beans, as well as livestock.

According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), increasing food demand is a major concern in Nigeria as prices increases worsen poverty.

Worrisome is also the fact that the Food and Agriculture Organisation estimated that approximately 22 million Nigerians would face food insecurity in 2023, with about 80 to 82 million being at risk of severe insecurity by 2030.

The indices get scarier as in 2024, Nigeria is expected to see about 26.5 million people dealing with high levels of food insecurity.

Many factors including continued conflict, climate change, and inflation and rising food prices are key drivers of this alarming trend.

However, the corporate programme – Golden Morn Agripreneurship Webinar Series, a collaborative initiative between the Golden Morn brand and the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University, aims to promote sustainable food systems by increasing youth engagement in the agricultural sector.

The programme, sponsored by Nestle Nigeria Plc, also provides seed grants support for young entrepreneurs within the age range of 18 to 35, who are already engaged or set up a business in the agricultural sector.

In 2023, 25 young agripreneurs emerged as winners of the Agripreneurship programme, and seed funds of N500,000 were presented to them to scale their businesses.

Some beneficiaries of 2023 Golden Morn Agripreneurship Programme of Nestle Nigeria PLC

The presentation of grants to the successful Agripreneurs, Mr Wassim Elhusseini, the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, emphasised the pivotal role of youth involvement in agriculture for building sustainable food systems.

 “To establish sustainable food systems, we must ensure youth participation in agriculture.

“Nestlé is, therefore, dedicated to helping young people develop the capabilities and skills they need to drive innovation in agriculture.

“Today, as we celebrate and empower the 25 agribusinesses who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion for shaping the future, we are delighted with the positive impact of the continuous investment by Golden Morn.”

The Category and Marketing Manager of Golden Morn, Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, during the  presentation of  the grants to 25 agricultural entrepreneurs, said that developing farmers was essential for better agricultural practice.

According to Orabuche, the agriculture sector is one of the most viable sectors of the Nigerian society.

However, she decried that the average age of the Nigerian farmer was between ages 60 and 65 years, and that it posed a challenge to the agricultural value chain.

Consequently, she urged the beneficiaries to be more productive and sustainable in their business.

“As agripreneurs, you are employers of labour and that is why Nestle has decided to invest in your business. As a business, we all exist in an ecosystem.

“I am a firm believer in Nigeria’s commonwealth and I believe that the only way Nigerians would move forward is through the country’s collective commonwealth whether in agriculture, healthcare, or education.

“Everyone regardless of your income would share that common wealth. For us to coexist, we need to make sure the cycle continues.”

Evaluating the impact of the programme, the Project and Finance Manager of the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, Obianuju Okafor, in a statement, said the average age of the Nigerian farmer was between ages 60 and 65 years.

Okafor added that this posed a challenge to the agricultural value chain.

According to her, the Enterprise Development Center is thrilled to partner with Golden Morn to provide essential skills and knowledge to young agripreneurs.

“The Webinar Series has been impacting individuals and businesses since 2021 with a focus on best practices in agribusiness.

“This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to empower and enhance the offerings of aspiring agripreneurs, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.”

On some of the challenges encountered in agriculture and businesses generally, Sadiq highlighted lack of technological expertise and in depth/updated farming principles, climate change, insecurity and funding.

According to her, through the Golden Morn Agripreneurship Webinar Series and being a grant recipients, she has been encouraged and motivated to increase produce, sales and even target being a top supplier of cereal crops within and outside the country.

Commending the brand for the grant for her business, she said, “I was about to stop this business due to some limiting factors but the training and subsequent support from Nestlé’s Golden Morn has encouraged me to continue the business of maize, soyabeans and rice farming.

Sadiq advised youths and women to embrace agriculture, saying it creates employment, self-sufficiency, reduces poverty and hunger.

Another grant recipients, Chukwudi Imhokha, the Chief Executive Officer Azimhoc Ventures, Delta State said, “The journey with Nestlé’s Golden Morn has been a great learning opportunity.

The trainings on adopting business models and circularity for Business Sustainability and Profitability were particularly value adding and very practical for me.

“We are so grateful to Golden Morn and by extension Nestlé, for the huge investment in young people through this laudable initiative,’’ he said.

Food security remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with millions of people facing hunger and malnutrition.

Addressing this issue requires broad approaches that tackle some of the root causes, such as lack of access to funding, technology know-how-limitations, insecurity and climate change, among others.

However, by investing in farmer’s especially young ones, infrastructure, training, making grants and funds available, promoting innovative solutions and generally prioritising sustainable agriculture, significant and impactful progress can be made toward ensuring food security and improving the well-being of citizens.

As such, concerted efforts and collaboration among government, organisations, corporate bodies, civil societies, and international partners, are needed.

It is in line with this, with the  aim of supporting  stakeholders’ action to provide support for young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and to ensure sustainable food systems, the Golden Morn Agripreneur Webinar Series programme exists, and keeps achieving significant stride in enabling young agripreneurs expand their businesses.

In addition, the project keeps making agriculture more attractive and appealing to youths, thereby increasing their involvement level in the sector.

Since its launch in 2021, the Golden Morn Agripreneurship Programme has provided training, financial assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities to over 2,000 young people involved in, or aspiring to venture into agriculture.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Agriculture , Food Security

Nigeria to boost livestock sector through real-time data

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By Tosin Kolade

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has introduced the Livestock Data and Market Information System (LMIS) to provide real-time information for transforming the sector.

This initiative is part of the six-year L-PRES project, funded by 500 million dollars from the International Development Association (IDA), aiming to enhance productivity, commercialisation, and resilience in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Mr Sanusi Abubakar, L-PRES National Project Coordinator, at a workshop in Abuja, explained that the LMIS would strengthen institutional systems, improve market linkages, and promote crisis prevention.

“The system will offer market information through various channels, creating a comprehensive marketing database for planning, policy formulation, research, and trend monitoring.

Prof. Herbert Udo, Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, highlighted the significance of data in livestock development, noting that well-developed livestock marketing information systems were invaluable for national planning.

“As a regulatory body with zonal and state offices nationwide, the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science is committed to collaborating with L-PRES and other stakeholders to operationalise the LMIS,” he stated.

Udo cited successful partnerships among farmers, markets, and policymakers in other parts of Africa, expressing confidence that similar successes could be achieved in Nigeria.

Mr Ibrahim Wali, representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasised the need for real-time data to ensure livestock productivity.

“In this sector, livestock owners often exchange animals for income without recorded transactions or data collection,” he noted.

He noted that the current number of animals was uncertain, and prices for a kilo of meat in Maiduguri or Abuja were often based on guesswork.

“Having real-time data on the prices of sheep, beef, or poultry will be extremely beneficial,” he stated.

Wali added that access to real-time information had transformed purchasing behaviour.

“Everything we do is consumer-driven. Consumers want to know the quality of the beef, chicken, meat, or turkey they are purchasing.

“The world has changed, especially since COVID-19, making it possible to do everything online.

“Consumers can now order beef and chicken online and, knowing the prices, they can purchase from anywhere, even if they are in Lagos”.

Mr Johnson Opigo, LMIS consultant, stressed the importance of data and information systems for improving livestock productivity.

He explained that accurate and timely data enable farmers to make informed decisions about breeding, feeding, health management, and marketing strategies.

“A robust information system provides real-time market data, helping producers understand trends and pricing to make better sales decisions.

“Additionally, information systems can issue early warnings for disease outbreaks and market fluctuations, allowing farmers to take preventive measures”.

Opigo also noted that data on livestock performance and health optimises resource use, reduces waste, and increases efficiency.

He stated that comprehensive data informs policymakers, leading to better regulations and support programmes that enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Food Security

Over 2.8bn people can’t afford healthy diets – FAO

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By Busayo Onijala

More than 2.8 billion people in the world cannot afford healthy diets, the Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Qu Dongyu, has said.

Dongyu made this known during the 2024 World Food Day global ceremony with the theme: “Right to ‘Foods’ for a Better Life and a Better Future”.

‘Foods’, in the theme stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability and safety.

Dongyu said that malnutrition in its various forms existed in all countries and socio-economic classes.

He added that even in high-income economies, people were choosing convenient and unhealthy foods.

The FAO director-general attributed the problems to challenges in agri-food systems where nutritious and diverse foods needed for healthy diets were insufficient and unaffordable.

According to him, food security translates to food availability, accessibility and affordability.

“With 730 million people facing hunger, it is clear that there is still much work to be done, and FAO’s mandate to ensure food security for all is as valid as ever.

“This World Food Day, I am calling on all to renew their commitments to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that can nourish the world,” he said.

Dongyu said that immediate action must be taken to ensure the integrated ‘Four Betters’.

“For better production and better nutrition, governments should enable healthy diets for everyone by incentivising production and sale of more nutritious foods.

“They should also promote their consumption in a healthy way.

“For a better environment, we need to produce more with less; we need more quantity with more diverse foods with less agricultural inputs and less negative impacts on the environment.

“We need to produce enough diverse foods, while preserving biodiversity and protecting the planet,” he said.

Dongyu said that, for a better life, innovation such as information technology, Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology and digital agriculture were needed.

He also said to support governments, the private sector would need to shift from unhealthy foods and make a greater diversity of safe and nutritious foods available, affordable and appealing.

“They need to be our allies in addressing this global challenge. Governments cannot do it alone.

 “We cannot build peaceful communities without addressing hunger and malnutrition,” he said.

He said that the younger generation had a vital role to play, adding that a food secure future without malnutrition was a human right.

Dongyu called for renewal of commitments to building efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that would guarantee the right to good foods for all. (NAN) www.nannews.ng 

Edited by Chidi Opara/Ijeoma Popoola 

Food Security

Heifer International empowers 7,000 poultry farmers on innovative solutions

369 total views today

By Justina Auta

Heifer International, a development organisation, says it has empowered over 7,000 smallholder poultry farmers across Kaduna and Nasarawa states on innovative solutions that will address challenges in the poultry sector.

The organisation’s Country Director, Dr Lekan Tobe, said this on Monday, during the launch of the second edition of Poultry Supply Chain De-risking Programme (PoS-DerP) in Abuja.

The theme of the programme was “Navigating the Future: Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Nigeria’s Poultry Sector”.

“Today, we bear witness to the tangible manifestation of this mission in the vibrant lives of over 7,000 smallholder poultry farmers across Kaduna and Nasarawa states through the PoS-DerP programme.

“The programme has equipped these farmers with the essential tools, comprehensive training, and vital resources needed to establish sustainable and profitable businesses.

“Also to catalyse a profound transformation in their livelihoods, and contribute significantly to the economic vitality of their local communities,”he said.

According to him, Nigeria risks losing about N250 billion from the poultry subsector if key challenges facing the sector are not immediately addressed.

“It’s going to be multiples of billions of Naira, multiples of billion. And I am not talking about 10 billion or 20 billion.

“I am talking around 250 billion Naira, which is why we have been advocating for urgent intervention for MSMEs and farmers in that subsector,” he said.

Also, Hajiya Maimuna Mustapha-Yahuza, Assistant Director, policy and Coordination Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said that the ministry was partnering with Heifer Nigeria to address funding gaps.

Mustapha-Yahuza said that they were also promoting climate resilience for poultry farmers as it is critical to Gross Domestic Product contributions.

Similarly, Opeoluwa Fayomi, Co-founder of Pullus Africa, said that the programme had given opportunity to small holder farmers to produce and access the free market with the right tools.

“At the moment, we have about 8,500 farmers in Kaduna and Nasarawa, and we are on the verge of moving into Abuja to also work with the farmers that we have identified.

“Our goal is to reach 20,000 farmers by June next year,” he said.

Gbenga Ariyo, Technical Lead, Kore International, said that feed production, access to finance, access to veterinary services were some of the challenges affecting the poultry sector.

Ariyo, therefore, stressed the need for more commitment, innovative intervention and technology as critical to improving food productivity and market access for poultry farmers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries of the PoS-DerP, expressed appreciation to the organisation for its supports, which has improved access to markets, funds and economic activities in their localities.

Other highlights include a panel discussion on leveraging collaborative solution in poultry farming to build a food secure future. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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