By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will strengthen synergy with agricultural research institutes to revitalise the agricultural sector in the FCT.

Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, stated this during a visit to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was in continuation of the secretary’s familiarisation tour of agricultural facilities and institutions in the FCT.

Geidam explained that the goal of strengthening the synergy with research institutes is to boost food production and enhance food security.

He stressed the critical roles research institutes play in achieving sustainable agricultural development.

He specifically acknowledged the valuable expertise and resources that research institutes offer, particularly in sharing knowledge of agricultural innovations and technological practices amongst farmers in rural communities.

“The FCTA recognises that a robust agricultural sector is vital for food security, economic growth, and job creation particularly in the FCT, currently grappling with a rapidly increasing population.

“This is why FCT Administration will be strengthening synergy with your institute as well as other relevant organisations to leverage your knowledge and experience.

“This will enable us to address challenges and implement effective strategies for agricultural transformation,” Geidam said.

He explained that the familiarisation tour was to gain first-hand insights into the existing agricultural landscape, identify areas for improvement and assess the potential for collaboration with other organisations.

NAN reports that Geidam also visited the FCT Livestock Markets in Kugbo and Deidei; Nyanya Veterinary Clinic; Karu Abattoir and Kado Fish Market among others.

At the Karu abattoir, the secretary told the butchers and veterinary doctors that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, had given him a matching order to implement programmes that would revitalise the sector.

He assured the butchers that a holistic approach would be articulated and presented to the FCTA for implementation.

“Our plan, in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the present administration, is to reinvigorate the agricultural sector to contribute to food security.

“This will be done by increasing local production and reducing dependence on imported agricultural products.

“We are also looking forward to an agriculture sector that can create employment, improve income generation for farmers, and stimulate economic growth in rural areas,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Lucy Ogalue

The African Development Bank(AfDB) Group has unveiled a country-by-country economic reportson Africa’s climate change and green growth financing needs.

The aim of the report is to guide African policymakers in their discussions during the 28th United Nations(UN) Conference on Climate Change (COP 28).

The bank in a statement said the global event would take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from  Nov. 30 to  Dec. 12.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new Country Focus Reports (CFRs) provide analysis and policy recommendations to strengthen countries’ active participation at COP 28.

The theme of the reports is “Mobilising private sector finance for climate and green growth in Africa”.

The report foster policy dialogue on macroeconomic performance and outlook and provide insights on mobilising private sector and natural capital finance to drive the continent’s climate resilience and green growth policies.

Prof Kevin Urama, AfDB’s Chief Economist and Vice President, said the reports would evoke sound, practical and implementable policies to enhance private sector financing for climate change and green growth.

“As countries prepare for COP28, the reports provide each African country with independent, verified analysis and recommendations.

“For evidence-based negotiations during the global conversation on climate finance and green transitions.

“The reports contain several short, medium, and long-term policies to accelerate African countries’ economic growth and build resilience to shocks. “They provide governments and potential investors with up-to-date, accurate data to inform policy and investment decisions,”Urama said

The vice president said climate change had been identified as one of the most pressing existential threats to Africa’s inclusive growth and sustainable development.

According to Urama, this year’s country reports explore opportunities to leverage private sector resources and natural capital to close the climate finance gap.

He said this would support the transition to inclusive, strong, and sustainable green growth.

According to Urama, expanding private sector participation in green growth markets requires several policy interventions, including strengthening the capacity to develop long-term green growth strategies.

He said that this includes the development of appropriate regulations and incentives, supporting project preparation and development, and developing more robust capital markets.

“This will support easy entry and exit for domestic and global investors.

“It will require greater use of blended finance, the use of de-risking facilities at scale, and the development of platforms.

“That allow the private sector to invest in a portfolio of green projects, rather than individual projects, to diversify and manage risk,” Urama said.

The AfDB’s Acting Director of Country Economics, Ferdinand Bakoup, said the Country Focus Reports 2023 built on the African Economic Outlook 2023 which was launched in May.

Bakoup said the report also build on the subsequent Regional Economic Outlooks launched in July.

He said: “the CFRs’ detailed country-level analysis and policy recommendations will impact policy design and future projects and programmes in African countries.

“Through these continental, regional, and country-specific reports, AfDB seeks to reduce the information imbalances that result from generalising about countries across a very diverse continent.

“The document highlights how governments can strengthen macroeconomic performance and outlook and catalyse private sector and natural capital finance to support climate action and green growth initiatives in the country.

“These include green bonds, debt for climate swaps, green banks, blended finance, carbon markets, and several other innovative financing instruments,”he said.

The African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2023 and the Regional Economic Outlooks reports highlight the resilience of several African economies despite a series of compounding shocks in recent years.

The shocks include the COVID-19 pandemic, persistent impact of climate change, global conflicts, financial market volatility, rising debt vulnerabilities and more.

The Country Focus Reports gives more specific insights for each African country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders in the animal health sector have urged the states and local governments to step up efforts at dog vaccination in order to meet 2030 rabies elimination in Nigeria.

The stakeholders– Life Stock Management Services (LMS) and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the commemoration of the World Rabies Day.

World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28 and the theme for 2023 is, “All for 1, one health for all.”

Dr Abubakar Muhammed, Director and Chief Executive Officer of LMS, in his keynote address, said the states and local councils should prioritise efforts at rabies elimination by carrying out awareness campaign and dog vaccination on regular basis.

He identified weak coordination of fight against rabies at the subnational level as a challenge militating against rabies control in the country.

Muhammed said that rabies was one of the deadliest tropical zoonoses and one of the six disease prioritised in the animal health sector.

According to him, the 2018 Nigeria Centre for Disease Control report shows that no fewer than 10,000 dog-bite incidences in Nigeria  are documented per annum with over 1,600 deaths.

He said the best way to go in achieving the set target was to collaborate with traditional rulers and intensify awareness on the danger pose by rabies and its preventive measure.

Muhammed listed other challenges militating against rabies elimination as inadequate laboratory diagnostic capacity especially in the human sector, limited access to vaccines and support in rural areas.

Others, according to him, are poor funding for rabies programme with high cost of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), little awareness on anti-rabies vaccines and PEP as well as inadequate legislation.

He identified the way forward as stronger collaborative efforts by major stakeholders the ministries of agriculture, health and environment as well as private sector, stronger engagement and linkage with states and local governments.

Also, Dr Chinna-Joe Iruobe, Chairman NVMA FCT Chapter, said rabies was a deadly zoonotic viral disease known to man.

“It is zoonotic in nature; affecting all warm blooded animals and man and is mostly transmitted by domestic and wild canidae through the bite of an infected animal mostly dogs and cats.

“Rabies is deadly and accounts for about 59,000 human deaths annually, however it is of essence to note that it is preventable when our dogs and cats are adequately vaccinated annually and kept on leash, ” she said.

Speaking on the theme, Iruobe said the association was partnering with  LMS, NCDC, Federal Ministry of Health, Environment and Agriculture and Food Security to ensure elimination of rabies menace by 2030. (NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Felicia Imohimi

Dr Ifeanyi Ogbu, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) FCT Chapter, has called for the establishment of veterinary medical centres in all Local Government Areas in the country.

Ogbu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja in commemoration of the World Rabies Day, observed every year on Sept. 28.

He said such measure would ensure prompt response to rabies cases at the grassroots and curb it prevalence.

The veterinarian said the implication of the move is that veterinary doctors would be at the reach of the populace at grassroots where the virus emanate.

NAN reports that World Rabies Day “All for 1- One Health for All” as theme.

Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. The rabies virus is usually transmitted through a bite.

Animals most likely to transmit rabies in the United States include bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks while In developing countries, stray dogs are the most likely to spread rabies to people.

He blamed the prevalence of rabies in the country on non availability of veterinary medical centres at the rural areas describing the challenge as a major gap in rabies prevention.

“We still have rabies prevalence in rural communities because of lack of veterinary medical centres and all this while we have been calling for government intervention.

“When rabies occurs communities will interprete it as mad dog syndrome but is actually rabies that is killing them.

“So we are lacking a touch in grassroots in rabies prevention because of lack of government veterinary facilities which is the major issue now. We are lacking

veterinary care and professionals in the rural communities.

“Most of the professionals when they graduate they head to teaching so there will be no vet left in such places, ” he decried.

The veterinarian further urged the government to improve funding for health sector particularly veterinary medicine in annual budgetary allocation.

He blamed the rate of infectious diseases from animals in the country on poor funding of veterinary health sector.

“Government should intensify health sector funding if they want to pass annual budget, allot a lot of money to it because infectious diseases from animals are rampant in this country.

“There will still be more outbreak of diseases from animals so, government at all levels should map out money for health particularly veterinary medicine, ” he said.

Speaking on the theme he emphasised the need for collaboration between

human medical doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and attendants and veterinary doctors to look at everything happenings in environment and animals as a pointer to human health.

He says “this is because over 78 per cent of the disease that worries man globally are from animals, considering this factor there is need for all stakeholders in health and animal sectors to team up to protect man on the planet.

” The whole essence of the theme is collaboration between stakeholders in animal and human health in the fight against rabies.

“That is if rabies that affect animals particularly dog will end up in affecting man there is need for animal doctors that handles dog and human doctors that handles human to team up to combat this common enemy, ”

NAN reports that World Rabies Day inaugurated in September 2007 was aimed at raising awareness and advocacy for global elimination of the dreaded rabies disease that has been set for 2030.

The day coordinated by the Global Alliance on Rabies Control (GARC) is marked annually on September 28, the anniversary of the death of Frenchman Louis Pasteur. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Mercy Omoike

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State chapter, has called on government to  make necessary interventions in order to save poultry farming from imminent collapse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association made the call at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

PAN Lagos State Chairman, Mr Mojeed Iyiola, appreciated the government for its previous efforts in the sector but called for a quick intervention over unavailability and non-affordability of maize for feed production.

“We really appreciate the government’s contributions to the sector; they have moved the sector ahead in various aspects.

“So, we want to express our appreciation and at the same time, let them know our predicaments and the problems we face as an association.

“Due to the hardships faced in the sector, the issue of egg glut has become an annual problem that has almost become permanent as purchasing power and demand has dropped drastically.

“We appeal to government at all levels to assist this sector from total collapse; considering the importance of our industry to food security we need the government’s intervention.

“The industry is at the point of total collapse and we need the government’s help urgently.’’

According to him, poultry is a major source of protein that is affordable and very different from other sources of protein.

He said that with the increasing cost and sometimes unavailability of maize for feed, production of eggs was at stake.

“Without maize the poultry industry cannot exist, due to the high cost of maize for feed, most poultry farmers have closed shop because of the situation.

“We want the government to grant PAN at the national level the license to import maize for the survival of the sector.

“The already existing importers of maize are working against farmers, the landing cost of maize should not be above N200,000 per metric ton, but now a metric ton of maize costs about N600,000.

“The poultry sector caters for over 180 million Nigerian workforce and contributes 25 per cent to the agricultural GDP; it should not be allowed to collapse.’’

Iyiola said that the PAN was also seeking for long term solution to the problems, by addressing the issue of banditry that affected the productivity of crop (maize and soya) farmers.

“This will enable our farmers return to the farms and subsequent availability of maize and soya at the lowest cost.

“If we can get maize and soya at the lowest cost, the rising cost of poultry produce will also drop,” he said.

On his part, Mr Foluso Adams, General Secretary, PAN, Lagos, emphasised the need for government’s prompt intervention in the sector.

He said that the association was concerned over the threat to food security in the country.

“This year we calling on the government to aid the issuance of maize, Soya, and other feed components that will enable us produce affordably for all citizens.

“A lot of jobs in the sector is being threatened as so many poultry farms have closed.

“A crate of egg being sold at N2300 is way below the cost of production but due to the egg glut situation we have no choice but to sell or bury the eggs at a loss.

“In terms of the palliatives provided, poultry farmers should be included as they need help and succour this period,” Adams said.

Mrs Oluwatosin Oyetunde, PAN Chairperson, Agege chapter, called for the government’s intervention in insecurity issues in order to ease farmers’ plights.

“Feed is paramount to any livestock farming; we want the government to help us tackle the issue of insecurity so farmers can easily access their farms.

She said that if the challenge of insecurity was addressed, the cost and availability of maize would not be a problem to farmers.

“The government should come to our aid before the sector collapses.

“We are a very integral part to the success and development of the agricultural sector,” Oyetunde said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

By Mercy Omoike

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) distributed 14,633 hybrid coconut seedlings to farmers in five states on Tuesday to boost productivity.

The states that benefitted are Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, and Kogi.

The ministry explained that it carefully selected the five major coconut-producing states as beneficiaries because of their optimal production, adding that other producing states would benefit soon.

In a keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated that the coconut seedlings distribution aimed at mitigating the effect of the 2022 flooding.

He added that the event marked a significant step toward the growth and prosperity of the country’s coconut industry.

The minister was represented by Mrs Omolara Oguntuyi, Director, FMAFS, Lagos State office.

“In Nigeria, the coconut sector holds immense potential to drive economic growth, enhance food security and promote sustainability.

“The coconut value chain is among the crops being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

“We envision a future where Nigeria is not only self-sufficient in coconut production but also become a global leader in the coconut industry.

“As we distribute these seedlings today, I encourage our coconut farmers to embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination,” she said.

She commended the efforts of coconut farmers and urged them to push the frontiers of the sector.

“Your unwavering commitment to nurturing these palms, often under challenging circumstances, especially through the flooding period, has contributed to the economic growth and food security of our nation.

“In addition to the seedlings, government is committed to providing the necessary support, training, and provision of resources to help you to maximise your coconut farming potentials.

“Together, we will build a vibrant coconut industry that benefits farmers and enhances the livelihoods of countless Nigerians,” she added.

In his remarks, Mr Oladapo Olakulehin, General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, reiterated government’s commitment to growing the coconut sector and improving its value chain.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone in our on-going efforts to bolster agricultural production and enhance food and nutrition security in Lagos State and the entire country.

“I express our gratitude to FMAFS for its commitment to support our coconut farmers particularly in the face of flooding challenges that posed significant threats to our agriculture sector.

“We are committed to creating a sustainable and prosperous future for our coconut farmers, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring a greener, healthier, and more economically-vibrant Lagos State for all its residents.

“The distribution of improved coconut seedlings by FMAFS today is a clear testament to the positive impact of collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of our coconut farmers.

“These seedlings, tailored to thrive in our local conditions, will empower small-holder coconut farmers to increase their yields, improve the quality of their produce, and ultimately elevate their economic status,” Olakulehin said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Alli Hakeem

By Bukola Adewumi

ECOWAS has given $77,942 as training grant to 150 farmers in Bauchi State and the FCT to boost food security in Nigeria.

The beneficiaries are farmers of the Community Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (COMAFAS).

Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture made this known at the opening of a poultry training workshop for beneficiaries in Orozo, Abuja on Tuesday.

Toure-Litse said the grant would increase young peoples’ capacity to engage in agriculture value chains and food production.

She added that it would go toward the training of 150 youth in poultry and fisheries, adding that the two sub-sectors were the main driving force behind the sub-region’s economy and development.

ECOWAS has designed quality training modules and arranged for the training of 3,032 young people (30 per cent women and 70 per cent men), she said.

Toure-Litse said agricultural productivity and competitiveness in West Africa had the tendency to impact positively on the sub-region’s food security, economic development, and livelihoods.

According to her, the ECOWAS Agriculture Policy remains the guiding framework for the 15 members of the bloc as it prioritises agricultural productivity and competitiveness.

The programme seeks to enhance the capacity of youth and women farmers and promote their access to resources and markets and their involvement in agribusiness, she said.

She added that there was the need for urgent intervention in gender participation in agriculture and youth employment, food chains, crops, forestry, livestock and fisheries.

“Products from crops, livestock and fisheries are the second largest when we talk about intra-community trade and interestingly, among these, livestock is the largest item.

“It is anticipated that by 2030, at least 30 per cent of young people in the sub-region will be employed in the agriculture sector.

“This will amount to a 75 per cent reduction in youth under-employment in rural areas,’’ she said.

In his remarks, Dr Austine Maduka, Founder/President of COMAFAS, said in spite of the expansion of poultry industry in Nigeria, it could only cater to 30 per cent of the needs of Nigerians.

Maduka said the training aimed to educate young farmers on how best to start and manage production.

He said the partnership with ECOWAS would strengthen the move to ensure availability of meat, other foods and impact relevant skills for sustainable strategies to reduce poverty.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports 75 out of the 150 beneficiaries would be trained on poultry farming in the FCT, while the remaining 75 would be trained on fish farming in Bauchi.

The FCT beneficiaries were given 50 birds each, bags of poultry feeds and drugs as start-up capital. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade/Alli Hakeem

By Polycarp Auta

The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Kuru, near Jos, has developed a new variety of potato to tackle outbreak of blight.

Dr Khaya Shuaibu, a researcher in the institute, stated this at the Green Field Day, organised for potato farmers on Monday in Bokkos.

Shuaibu said that the initiative was supported by Global Biotechnology Potato Partnership (GBPP), under its ”Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Project Nigeria.”

According to him, the new variety is blight resistant and will encourage more investments in potato value chain.

Shuaibu, who doubles as the Trial Manager of GBPP for the project, said that the move would also boost production and enable farmers’ access to better yield and income.

He further stated that the field day was aimed at sensitising farmers, extension workers and researchers on the need to embrace the new initiative.

“This event is to create avenue for farmers, agricultural extension workers and researchers to share knowledge and experiences on the interventions being demonstrated.

”It is also intended to showcase our research findings on the new variety.

“NRCRI is collaborating with national and international partners to develop this, and the choice of Plateau for this trial is because the state produces 90 per cent of the potatoes in Nigeria.

”The last outbreak of potato late blight experienced by farmers in Plateau in 2022 destroyed about 32,000 hectares of farms.

”So, the biotech potato is resistant to late blight and can produce good yield without the application of fungicide and other chemicals,” he said.

Also speaking, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Dr Hosea Finangwai, said that the state was blessed good weather and fertile soil for production of potato in large quantity.

Finangwai, who is currently the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Plateau State University, Bokkos, said that the institution was not only equipping its students with theoretical knowledge, but the practical aspects of modern farming.

He stated that the institution was partnering with various local and international organisations to support improved yields for farmer and also enjoy dividends of their produce. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AZA/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq