By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) says it is committed to collaborating with international community in addressing Nigeria’s food and nutrition challenges.

Dr Donal Brown, IFAD Associate Vice President Rome, made this pledge at the International news conference on Saturday in Abuja tagged “Dr Brown High-level Mission to Nigeria.’’

Brown said the mission was to deepen IFAD’s partnership with the Federal Government and also support government’s efforts at food system transformation.

According to him, the gesture is geared towards food and nutrition, security, improved livelihoods of smallholder farmers and inclusive agro-industrialisation.

“My mission is not only to strengthen our partnership but secondly is to look at the future direction of support that IFAD can provide the government.

“My visit is also to review IFAD partnership with Nigeria on food security and agriculture and to think about the future directions support we can give.”

The associate vice president, who decried many challenges facing Nigeria ranging from inflation and food among others, said that President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration on food would make a difference in that context.

Brown said IFAD worked in rural communities with smallholder farmers to improve food security and agriculture,  adding that  the organisation had strong partnership with government.

He assured that the organisation would design a new project to support the government’s food production value chain on climate adaptation.

“Most of our programmes, like the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) are really performing very well.

“We have a very good project in Niger Delta focusing on youth entrepreneurship and value chain project and also supporting the African Development Bank on Special Agro Processing Zone (SAPZ) project.”

On his assessment of the organisation’s ongoing projects in some states of the federation, Brown said the projects were impactful with few challenges.

“LIFE-ND is extremely successful and I am looking at extending the project for two years; VCDP which has been in the country for 10 years also has very good result.

Dr Yaya Olaniran, IFAD Executive Board Member Nigeria and Permanent Representative to IFAD, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP), Rome, said the country was dealing with four terrible situations.

Olaniran identified the challenges as climate change effect, COVID-19 effect, conflict and high cost of input describing the challenges as diverse of inflation.

“These situations will not go away until some of the necessary palliative measures are put in place and the two projects LIFE-ND and VCDP are talking about addressing right, front and back.

“So, whatever we want to do if the government is prepared, ready to play her part and the needful are done it will be easier for other countries to come in and assist.

“For the president to declare a state of emergency on food means all hands must be on deck, take care of what you can take care of particularly in the rural,” he said.

Dr Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, Nigeria, identified the priority challenge to be addressed as resilience to economic shock regarding prices.

According to her, internally, there is need to work to get the most out of the funding by ensuring that all the implementation is done more efficiently.

“When we invest efficiently; we can drive more result,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu and Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Christian Ogbonna

Abakaliki Rice Mill Owners Industry Association, says it has apprehended two of its members for using fake scale machines to cheat customers in the market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ebonyi government, in collaboration with the association, had banned the use of scale machines.

The approved measuring method in the mill is the use of bushel (pan), which contains 100 cups of rice, measuring 25 kilogram bag.

Mr Linus Obeji, Chairman of the mill owners, told newsmen in Abakaliki on Friday, that the members apprehended had been handed over to the police for proper prosecution.

Obeji, who condemned the act of cheating customers, urged other members to strictly adhere to the executive order of Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi on the bushel measuring policy.

“A bushel is exactly the 25-kg we all know which contains 100 cups of rice.

“We have accepted the executive order of the governor and we will not hesitate to hand over any members found wanting to the police.

“We are on the move to sanitise the rice mill and get rid of every fraudulent activities regarding dealing with the customers.

“This is an executive order from the governor and every member needs to obey it, to renew the hope of the customers in the mill.

“The issue of measuring method must be right because we will not allow any form of fraudulent measurement in the rice mill,” the chairman stated.

Mr Sunday Oketa, Paramount Ruler of Nkaleke Echara-Unuhu autonomous community, Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state, also condemned the cheating of customers with fake scale machines.

Oketa, one of the founders of the rice mill market in Ebonyi, noted that the facility, founded in 1943, was not known for such fraudulent activities.

He urged dealers in the market to desist from the act and support state government’s policy towards sustainable development in the mill.

“It is good to engage in genuine business than cheating customers. The government has made it clear that bushel (pan), should be used for measurement in the market.

“I urge them to strictly adhere to the order and give to the customers the genuine measurement,” he advised.

A NAN check on prices of the product in the market, revealed that a bushel, (25-kg) was sold between N23,000 and N27,000, depending on the grade.

The 50 kg bag, including mass, CP, among others, are sold for between N48,000 and N54,000. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has solicited the collaboration of the Federal Government on women education in order to enhance food production and national development.

Dr Yaya Olaniran, IFAD Executive Director, Nigeria made the call at an Open House Exhibition Fair and Gender Dialogue in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was part of activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day with the theme “Inspire Inclusion.’’

The dialogue is tagged “Investing in Women in Agriculture.”

Olaniran said that women education had multiplier effect on the family, neighbourhood, community and the nation at large.

Olaniran, who is also the Permanent Representative to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme, Rome, said training a woman went a long way to better the home.

“When you train a woman, you are training the home, community and more importantly the next generation.

“Mothers look after children in every aspect like welfare, health feeding and more importantly their spiritual well-being.

“My appeal is the education of women; such education has to do with different categories; everyone needs to be educated to play their role regarding what to do for us, our nation and indeed for our ward.

“We cannot afford not to do it and do it well; everyone has to work together to meet the need of women,” he said.

Dr Donal Brown, Associate Vice President, Programme Management Department, IFAD, Rome, said women played key role in the production, processing, and marketing of food and making decisions in the home that guarantee adequate nutrition.

Brown assured of IFAD commitment to further enhance the productivity of women in agriculture to improve their livelihood and income.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, reiterated that women played vital role in agricultural production, processing and marketing to boost production.

He said women had proven to be pivotal in farm production and better managers of farm enterprises.

“When you empower women, they empower the family; any family that is empowered, turn out to empowered the community.

“If you give women N20, 000, it will have a multiplier effect in terms of welfare, nutrition and health of the family; therefore, women need to be supported, empowered in their area of strength,’’ he said.

Abdullahi, who identified some of the challenges affecting women in food production as processing, marketing and storage, assured of the ministry’s commitment to support them in mitigating these challenges.

Ms Beatrice Eyang, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, identified training of women as central to food security and end to poverty.

Eyang said the need of women and children should be prioritised in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to her, Nigeria is not on track in SDG five which focuses on gender equality and women empowerment.

She identified some of the challenges of women as lack of access to land, market, information, among others.

According to her, there is need for women to be provided easy access to finance, markets, and information, as well as promoting climate-smart agriculture and digital platforms.

NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of certificates to youth and women in agriculture for their contributions to food production.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Felicia Imohimi

The Global Shea Alliance (GSA) has pledged its commitment to plant and nurture 10 million Shea butter trees by 2030, to secure the future of the product.

Mr Aaron Adu, GSA Director General, made the pledge in Abuja at the opening of the 2024 Global Shea Conference with the theme “Bridging the Gap”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was hosted by the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN).

Adu, who spoke on ‘Shea 2024 Abuja Declaration: Call for Action for Shea Parklands Initiatives’, said the group would restore four million hectares of Shea parklands between now and 2030.

He said that shea butter was a key contributor to economic growth and diversification, whose impact was huge among vulnerable communities

According to him, meeting the 10 million trees commitment will revitalise the activities of women shea collectors and processors.

The DG said that 10 countries would partner to improve their policies regarding shea parklands management.

“We will work collaboratively to achieve this objective in partnership with women shea producers, fellow GSA members, government institutions, national associations and other stakeholders,” he said.

He noted that shea income has a ripple effect on nutrition, education and health, especially in the poor households.

According to him, a study in Ghana showed that 90 per cent of women viewed shea as a major resource for their livelihoods.

Adu expressed concern over the decimation of eight million shea trees annually due to several factors including reduction in the farm-fallow cycles been key for natural regeneration.

“This decrease in shea tree population in turn impacts rural economic development and women’s empowerment. The availability of shea supply is at risk to respond to growing demand.

“Shea communities are at the same time disproportionately impacted by climate change, with extreme temperatures and climate events changing the landscape and impacting agricultural yields.

“Considering the scale of the challenge and its enormous impact, the shea industry and stakeholders need to respond urgently to ensure resilient communities and revitalise supply availability,” Adu said.

He said two billion shea trees grow on nearly 275 million hectares of women-managed farming systems across Africa.

The trees, according to him, are integrated with food and agricultural crops on smallholder farms, creating an agroforestry landscape resilient to climate change.

“Every year, shea parklands in West Africa capture more than 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide.

”These climate benefits also materialise at the farm level.

“Research has shown that shea trees improve the soil structure, making farms more resistant to droughts and floods, with a global market of2.75 billion USD and 16 million women employed,” the DG added.

Alhaji Mohammed Kontagora, the President of NASPAN, said the call for action on shea parklands was purposely to plan for the future.

Kontagora, who is also an executive member of GSA, identified shea tree in Africa as an endangered specie, as they were being cut down for various purposes.

“There is a demand for its increase on yearly basis.

“We in Nigeria have all it takes to plant 10 million shea trees, based on the call to action and we will work with different stakeholders at the grassroots like women, community leaders to achieve the global target,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Bukola Adewumi

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Temitope Fashedemi, says the Federal Government has put machinery in place to address challenges of food and nutrition insecurity.

Fashedemi spoke at the presentation of the March 2024 round of Cadre Harmonisé analysis national consolidation report on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Cadre Harmonisé(CH) is a Food and Nutrition Insecurity Analysis by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with technical partners including the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Fashedemi, who was represented by the Director of Special duties, Adedayo Modupe, said the results of the cycle of CH analysis came at a time when government was leaving no stone unturned in reinvigorating the nation’s economy.

The permanent secretary said the removal of petroleum subsidy had further heightened pressure, resulting in food inflation and increase in consumer price index.

He assured of the ministry’s commitments to upholding and utilising the outcome and recommendations proffered at the workshop for the implementation of food and nutrition security interventions.

The Cadre Harmonisé report indicated that no fewer than 31.5 million people including 83,846 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in 26 states and the FCT were expected to be in crisis between June and August 2024.

According to the report, no fewer than 24.7 million people including 14,000 IDPs in 26 states and the FCT are in food crisis between March and May 2024.

The report revealed that about 1.1 million people in Adamawa were expected to be in crisis or worse between June and August 2024, and about 2.1 million people in Borno were expected to be in crisis or worse between June and August.

“Also, 1.5 million people in Yobe are expected to be in crisis or worse between June and August this year.

“During the current period, food consumption was under stress in most of the states and Crisis in some LGAs in Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, and Yobe, Zamfara States.

“Deteriorated food consumption situation was also observed among populations in the inaccessible areas and the IDPs in Adanawa, Borno, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

“During the projected period (June to August 2024) more households are expected to face crisis level of food consumption in the states.”

It said that the deteriorating food consumption resulted from a significant spike in food prices due to high production and transportation costs caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and its resultant impact on inflation and consumer price index rates on both food and basic non-food items.

The report said that in all the states analysed, livelihood evolution was either under stress or crisis.

“The consequences of insecurity have led to the loss of livelihoods in Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Yobe states.

“Poor macroeconomic conditions are restricting access to agricultural inputs in the country; the high cost of transport, inflation rate, and the volatile dollar-naira exchange rate have negatively affected households’ income.

“In the projected period (June to August 2024), poor microeconomic conditions and conflicts are expected to drive limited access to livelihood opportunities.

“The nutrition situation in the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe and northwest states of Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara revealed the prevalence of malnutrition for Under-5 children to be in crisis in the current situation,” the report said.

The report said key drivers of the crisis included conflict and insecurity, fuel scarcity, naira devaluation currency crisis, and rising inflation and Consumer Price Index (CPI) rates.

In his remarks at the presentation, the Country Representative of the FAO to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Koffy Kouacou said the main goal of the CH workshops was to analyse available food security data.

Kouacou, who was represented by the Assistant FAO representative (program) Abubakar Suleiman, said the CH analysis produced the most reliable and widely acceptable data/results for humanitarian programming and food security.

He said the FAO would continue to support the CH process, both in terms of funding as well as technical support and capacity building across the country. (NAN) www.nannews.ng 

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Bukola Adewumi

The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN-ICON2) has provided a ‘Lab-ulance’ to support the healthcare system of a farming community in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The support is in partnership with MasterCard Foundation and Benson Colman and Associate limited.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Lab-ulance’ is a tricycle fully kitted with medical equipment such as laboratory equipment, midwifery equipment, refrigerator powered by a solar system and other basic health equipment.

It comes as part of activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration in Abuja.

The Executive Director of WOFAN, Hajia Salamatu Garba, who spoke on the sidelines of the event, said the initiative was borne out of the concerns that farmers too needed to be healthy before they could farm.

“Farmers need to remain healthy before they can produce food for us sustainably.

“And if you look at the farming communities, they lack access to roads, healthcare facilities and so on; they cannot get first hand services for their families.

“This was what brought the issue of ‘Lab-ulance’ manufactured by youths working with WOFAN; it is a simple innovation and affordable transport system that can also carry a doctor.

“In this ‘Lab-ulance’, we have the midwifery; we have the laboratory equipment; we have equipment you need including a refrigerator that is powered by solar system.

“This is the kind of development that we need in Nigeria.’’

She said it was ideal for every ward in Nigeria to have this system linked to primary healthcare, and doctors will not be seen running away from duties because they have every facility.

Garba said the women were required to pay only N2, 500 as health insurance which would cover their husband and two children.

For a start, Garba said WOFAN would pay six months health insurance fee for 450 women after which they were expected to sustain it.

“Now, look at a woman who is required to pay N2,500 per month for a family of Husband, wife and two children; that takes care of any healthcare that they need.

“We are paying for six months for three clusters now; one cluster is made up of 150 people; so, we have 450 people; we are starting with them.

“We are taking this campaign to the Nigeria Governor’s Forum; let them see how little can be done to serve the community at large,’’ she said.

The Village Head of Gwarimpa, Mr Yakubu Bayaro, commended WOFAN for bringing the initiative to the community.

He said it would go a long way in making healthcare accessible to the community. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Tosin Kolade

Mrs Yejide Ogundipe, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, says the era of paying lip service towards supporting women farmers in the country is over.

Speaking at an event commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day organised by the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progress (NWAP) in Abuja, Ogundipe emphasised the importance of inclusion.

The event, themed ‘Inspire Inclusion’, provided a platform to address key issues surrounding gender equality and inclusivity in the agricultural sector.

She said there was need to end lip service and actively foster genuine support for women farmers in the nation.

Ogundipe highlighted the government’s commitment to eliminating ‘portfolio farmers’ who exploited grants and loans meant for genuine farmers.

“The administration has strategically organised women farmers into cooperatives to ensure they benefit from interventions aimed at reducing food insecurity.’’

She spoke on the urgency of President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency on food security and outlined various interventions, including partnerships with the Bank of Agriculture to provide farmers access to low-interest loans.

The presidential aide included initiatives for irrigation projects, and collaboration with the Federal Government and the African Development Bank to cultivate 120,000 hectares of wheat across 15 states for dry-season farming.

She said that government was dedicated to making agriculture profitable, especially for women farmers and urged patience as efforts were underway to enhance the profession.

Earlier, Faith Ibrahim, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, said there was need for prioritisation of inclusive agriculture for women.

Ibrahim acknowledged the substantial contribution of women farmers, accounting for 70 per cent to 80 per cent of Nigeria’s food production.

She called for the creation of an enabling environment for the growth of women farmers and enhanced food security.

The professor called for the provision of single-digit loans for women farmers, emphasising the potential for increased productivity with gender-friendly policy frameworks.

Ibrahim said that agriculture played a critical role in growth and poverty reduction.

According to her, the sector’s under-performance can be attributed to constraints faced by women in rural economies.

She stressed the importance of inclusion, advocating for measures such as granting access to funds, lands, and fostering a supportive environment.

Omolara Svensson, the National Coordinator of NWAP, expressed the organisation’s passionate commitment to prioritising agribusiness in Africa to enhance food security, accessibility, and affordability.

She said that the commitment was guided by principles of dignity, discipline and decency and urged the members to conduct themselves with the highest decorum.

“NWAP’s vision is to competently lead the change in agribusiness narratives for Nigerian women, aiming to be the leading light of sustainable progress for African women farmers.

“The organisation strives to create a positive impact by ensuring dignity, decency, and disciplined conduct in the pursuit of agribusiness initiatives across the continent,’’ she said.

Highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the 36 state coordinators with the mandate of improving the lives of their people. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Abigael Joshua

Stakeholders from the Shea sector convened in Abuja to address the pressing need for protecting the Shea ecosystem and promoting environmental sustainability.

This was the thrust at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Global Shea Alliance titled “Shea 2024″.

During the conference hosted by the National Shea Product Association of Nigeria (NASPAN), participants underscored their commitment to preserving the Shea tree and advancing efforts against climate change.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, highlighted significant strides, revealing the planting of over 15,000 Shea trees across beneficiary countries to ensure sustainability.

“Trade in Shea products remains rooted in sustainable practices and all stakeholders have a critical role to play which ensure the preservation of the Shea tree and also continues the fight against climate change.

“Shea butter has been referred to as women’s gold for centuries currently over 16 million women in West Africa make a living from farming and processing Shea nuts it is estimated that women make 237 million dollars in direct income from Shea.

“85 per cent of Shea exports is used as cocoa butter equivalent and 25 per cent are used for cosmetics.’’

Okonjo-Iweala said cosmetics Shea market, valued at over 600 million dollars, is projected to reach approximately 850 million dollars by the end of 2027.

The Emir of Keffi Kingdom, Alhaji Shehu Chindo Yamusa, raised awareness about potential threats to Shea trees, emphasising the vital role they play in providing ecosystem services such as erosion control and groundwater recharge.

In spite of the global demand for Shea butter, he cautioned against overlooking local causes and consequences related to felling Shea trees.

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger, represented by Mr Aminu Takuma, Commissioner of Investment, urged collaboration among Shea value chain stakeholders to overcome challenges in the Nigerian Shea Industry.

He sees the conference as a landmark gathering to address sustainability issues.

Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, commended the Global Shea Alliance’s impact on international commodity organisations.

She emphasised the relevance of bridging the gap between policies and implementation for effective service delivery.

“The theme of this edition is highly germane to the country’s current economic experience.

“It is a well-known fact that without bridging the gap between policies and implementation; other efforts to improving service delivery will not be effective at all.

“We will also continue to provide physical infrastructures for existing investments to thrive and make every part of the country attractive to new investors,” the minister assured.

Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), expressed satisfaction with Shea being a significant product for the council.

According to her, for so many reasons, as over 80 per cent of the people involved in Shea trade is women.

“Global market value for chocolate is estimated to be approximately 113.16 billion dollars in 2021 and expected to reach 156.74 billion dollars in 2030.

“For the cosmetics industry, it stands at 380.2billion dollars and is expected to reach 453.0 billion dollars in 2026.

“The opportunities for Shea to transform Nigeria’s economy includes in the area of job creation, value addition and women empowerment,” she explained.

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo