The Chief Executive Officer of Shield Africa, Mrs Osenaga Orokpo, has emphasised the need for empowering youth and women to drive sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria and Africa.
Orokpo, speaking at the Shield Africa Summit 2024 in Abuja on Friday, noted that food insecurity and poverty have become major concerns on the continent.
She stressed that Africa must prioritise sustainable agriculture and food security, transforming fields and approaches to prioritise sustainable practices, empower youth and women, and unlock the true potential of African agriculture.
Orokpo envisioned a prosperous Africa where every young person had the tools to become an agri-preneur, transforming farmlands into sources of wealth and opportunity.
According to Orokpo, hunger affects over 250 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, with population growth threatening to outpace agricultural production.
She emphasised the need for more youth involvement in agriculture, citing the average age of farmers as over 60, while the median age of the population is just 18.
Orokpo called on stakeholders to join forces to shield Africa from hunger, poverty, and pain.
She announced that Shield Africa aimed to create 15,000 to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs for young individuals in 2025, contributing to youth employment and reducing poverty.
The Deputy Governor of Benue, Dr Sam Ode, represented by Director-General Benita Shuluwa, emphasised the potential for rural communities to drive economic transformation.
He highlighted Benue’s experiences in investing in rural infrastructure, which he said have boosted agriculture and uplifted communities.
Ode commended Shield Africa for providing agricultural support, empowering youth, and promoting gender inclusivity.(NAN)
The Lagos State Government has empowered 26 agriprenuers with a N100 million grant to boost food production and security in the state.
This was disclosed at the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems’ Agrinnovation Summit 1.0, on Thursday, in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit with the theme: “Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for the Next Generation”, represents the state government’s commitment to build an agricultural sector that serves as the backbone of the economy.
The 26 recipients were selected through a rigorous process from the Agrinnovation Club which later grew into the Lagos Agrithon.
In his address, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state’s Head of Service, Mr Tayo Ayinde, urged the recipients to utilise the grants to ensure sustainable agribusinesses and food security.
“We gather here today with one purpose: to build sustainable agriculture and food systems for the next generation, and to ensure that Lagos not only sustains itself but leads Nigeria and Africa toward food security and agricultural excellence.
“As a government, we understand that agriculture development depends on more than just traditional practices. It requires us to embrace technology, foster collaboration, and create sustainable practices that will endure.
“I want to commend in particular, the creation of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club. This club is not just an initiation, it has become a community of young agripreneurs, a hub of creativity, and a platform for those who dare to reimagine agriculture.
“Out of the Agrinnovation Club grew the Lagos Agrithon, a testament to the power of innovation and opportunity.
“This years Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people who are driven by their vision to transform agriculture, and building sustainable solutions.
“The 26 finalists we honour today have not only made it through a rigorous selection process but have also shown us that the future of food in Lagos is bright.
“With access to mentorship, networks, and a share of the N100 million Agrinnovation fund, these entrepreneurs will have the resources to take their enterprise solutions further,” Sanwo-olu said.
He also reiterated that the recipients would be monitored to ensure justifiable use of the grants.
“With the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, LSETF and Eko Innovation Centre, will monitor and evaluate the activity of the 26 entrepreneurs for the next nine months to see how these businesses are growing.
“To our Agrithon finalists, I urge you to put this funding to excellent use, as you’ve demonstrated through your impressive and innovative ideas,” he said.
On her part, Ms Abisola Olusanya, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, called for the onboarding of more young people as major players in the agric sector.
“We would like to appreciate everyone for being here and especially our jurors, they did a fantastic job helping us with the selection process, from 316 business entries and bringing it down to 26 finalists.
“We are here to celebrate these young agriculture entrepreneurs, who have not waited for the government to give them opportunities but have looked within themselves and other for inspiration.
“They have made of themselves and of their enterprises something to be proud of and we are proud to be in association with them.
“They have shown that agriculture is a pathway to us being prosperous as a nation.
“These agriprenuers have shown that passion, connectivity, and we are gathered to celebrate them, showing other people who want to come into the agric space.
“We want newcomers to know that there is a lot to gain in the agric. space, and particularly in the direction that the government of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu is going, there is enough to unearth in the coming months.
“It is up to the newcomers to come in and plug into what is happening in the sector,” Olusanya said.
In his closing remarks , the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, urged the Agrithon finalists to make good use of the opportunities in the sector.
“To all the young innovators and Agrithon finalists, let me say this: you are the heartbeat of Lagos’ agricultural future. Your ideas, your ambition, and your resilience inspire us all.
“Today, you have shown us what is possible when we bring technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurial spirit into agriculture.
“You are proof that Lagos is more than capable of leading Nigeria and Africa toward a food-secure and sustainable future.
“As we leave here today, let us carry forward the knowledge, connections, and inspiration we have gained.
“Let us build on the momentum created here and work together to turn these innovative ideas into practical, sustainable solutions for our communities,” Fashola said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Government in collaboration with development partners has established a model fish hatchery in Calabar, Cross River, to accelerate pisciculture and food security in the country.
The hatchery is designed with an annual 20 million fingerlings production capacity, a fully functional laboratory, classrooms and a research centre.
The facility was jointly funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Cross River Government, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Others include the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta (LIFE ND), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Feed the Future Project, among other private sector collaborators.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who inaugurated the facility on Thursday, said that apart from adding to food security, it would also serve as a hub for employment and income generation for youths and women in the aquaculture subsector.
“The South-South region holds a significant position as Nigeria’s oil and fishery hubs, motivating the provision of this facility to build the capacity of fish farmers and enhance productivity through research activities.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is committed to advancing the nation’s agri-food system through technology and innovation for job creation, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction,” he said.
Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River, said that the model fish hatchery project was conceptualised to address the challenges of unavailability and inaccessibility of juveniles, which were identified as impediments to fish farming.
Represented by Mr Johnson Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Otu said the production of fish feeds at low cost would bring down cost of production.
According to him, it will also enhance sales and bring additional profit to fish farmers.
He appreciated Kyari for providing conducive environment for all the interventions the state had received from foreign organisations.
Mr Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator, LIFE ND, described the project as a testament to effective collaboration, adding that it would encourage youths to embrace agriculture in the Niger Delta.
Sanni noted that while the project was expected to create jobs, wealth and enhace food security in the Niger Delta and Nigeria, it would also revolutionise aquaculture in the state.
Also, Dr Ben Odoemena, Chief of Party, USAID Feed the Future Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services, said 20 million juveniles stood for about N1.6 billion that would be injected into the economy of Cross River annually.
Odoemena said if properly maintained, conservatively, the hatchery would inject about N60 billion into the state economy annually. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme have pledged to make all states across the country agro-industrial hubs by 2026.
Dr Dede Ekoue, Country Director, IFAD, made the pledge at the 1st joint Federal Government/IFAD Supervision Mission Wrap-Up of SAPZ on Friday in Abuja.
Ekoue said the gesture would be achieved through the implementation of the project in all states of the federation.
She said that the accelerated pilot intervention in Kano had proven to be highly effective model, laying strong foundation for the project’s future success and ensuring tangible benefits were reaching the targeted rural smallholder farmers.
The country director said the project had so far reached 1000 beneficiaries in Kano out of the 7,398 profiled farmers between September 2024 and September 2025 in the state.
She described the progress achieved so far at the early phase as a strong indicator of its potential to achieve its goal in upcoming years.
“We have already reached over 1000 beneficiaries under the pilot project, which demonstrates our commitment to the targeting strategy and our goal of inclusivity.
“The project is on the right path to meeting the SAPZ’s gender and youth representative targets, with 44.5 per cent of the beneficiaries being female and 28.8 per cent youth.
“As we progresses, we are on track to meet the 50 per cent female and 40 per cent youth representation targets in the targeted areas of Kano and Ogun States.’’
Ekoue identified the target of reaching 24,000 beneficiaries across Ogun and Kano by 2025 as ambitious and achievable.
She called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to accelerate the pace of implementation and prioritise scaling up successful intervention.
“We must continue to strengthen our partnerships; leverage new technologies and adapt quickly to the changing agricultural landscape,” she said.
Ekoue identified other achievements of the project as capacity building for farmer-based organisations, establishment of demonstration plots, partnerships with local institutions, strong collaboration with state and local government and private sector engagement.
She said the project has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Commodity Alliance Federation.
According to her, the gesture is as an important step towards enhancing the livelihoods of farmers by opening new pathways to market opportunities.
Dr Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator, SAPZ, said the project’s overall development objective was to support the development of SAPZ in high food production areas to supply the domestic food market and create exportable surpluses.
According to him, it is also to capacitate smallholder farmers, small agro-processors and traders and community-based service providers including women and youth.
Yusuf said the programme was being piloted in Kano and subsequently, Ogun.
He said it would be implemented across the 36 states of the federation through the bye-in of the government.
“If the SAPZ project is implemented across all the state it will directly or indirectly create at least 500,000 jobs in each states outside the jobs that will spring up along the value chain.
“l am optimistic that as we have reach our pilot target group, we will rich our target in 2025 and the issue of food security will be history
“We will at that point develop infrastructure for our processing industry and by the end of 2026 we will have full fledge SAPZ and agro-Industrial development across the country,’’ he said.
Mr Musa Bukar, Director, Project Coordinating Unit, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMFS), said the supervision mission was to access the level of implementation of the project in Kano and identify key bottleneck.
“The mission is also to make recommendation on way forward to accelerate progress.
“SAPZ has successfully foster collaboration with key stakeholders including the Kano State ministry of agriculture, agro-pastoral development programme, among others.
“These efforts help assure that the project aligned with local needs and provides a strong foundation for the project’s successes and quality improvement,’’ he said.
Tabi Karikari, Chief Agro-Industrial Officer, African Development Bank (AfDB), who identified SAPZ as a game changer, said it was accelerated for its capacity to change any rural communities from zones of misery to becoming zones of prosperity. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
By Rita Iliya
The Niger state government says it will host the 10th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair to promote sustainable food systems and nutrition in the state.
Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, state Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this during a press conference in Minna.
He said that the event would be in partnership with HarvestPlus and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
He said the two-day event would hold on Dec. 10 to Dec. 11, with the theme, “Sustainable Food Systems: Our Collective Responsibility”.
Bawa-Bosso noted that the fair was part of the state’s efforts to foster a vibrant agricultural sector, and provide supportive environment for investments in nutritious foods.
“This milestone edition will bring together policymakers, researchers, farmers, SME’s and food processors to showcase innovations.
“(They will also) exchange knowledge, and address the latest developments in nutritious foods,” he said.
He disclosed that over 100 exhibitors, government officials, private sector leaders, and over 5,000 attendees were expected.
The commissioner said the fair would serve as a platform for collective engagement, job creation, and business connections in the nutritious food sector.
Also, Dr Yusuf Fuad, Country Director of HarvestPlus, said the fair would address nutrition challenges by bringing together critical stakeholders within the food and agricultural value chains.
He said that the stakeholders would engage and advocate for improve nutrition sector investment across all levels.
He said that the event would add value to the state’s economy and support small businesses and strengthen the value chain.
“Women will receive special attention, with a focus on improving healthy diets.
“A job creation clinic will also be set up, targeting young unemployed individuals to take advantage of suitable job opportunities and become self-reliant,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry of Agriculture, said the event would feature cooking competition across the three geopolitical zones.
He added that the event would have significant impact on the state’s economy and youth employment, with over 6,000 jobs expected to be created for young people.
Also, Mr Lachang Faden, Project Manager Biofortification, GAIN, said that the 2024 national demographic report said that 40 per cent of Nigerian children are stunted.
He added that the event would be used to create awareness on consumption of nutrient foods. (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)
The Federal Government has released two new chicken breeds and 14 new high-yield crop varieties towards increasing agricultural production and improving the nutritional status of Nigerians.
The release of the new chicken breeds and the crop varieties were announced on Thursday during the 34th meeting of National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries.
The Chairman, National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), Prof. Soji Olufajo, presided over the meeting attended by committee members as well as researchers, geneticists, scientists and breeders.
Olufajo said the registration and release of the two new chicken breeds and the varieties of seven crops were based on the recommendation of its two technical sub-committees.
He said the new chicken breeds are Noiler and Cobb 500, while the high-yield crops are wheat, barley, maize, caassava, rice Castor and conchorus.
The technical sub-committee chaired by Prof. S. Ado during its 38th meeting on Tuesday deliberated on the 19 varieties received.
The sub-committee, after deliberation and consideration of the 19 submissions, recommended 14 varieties, which were put before the NVRC for final approval during the Thursday meeting.
In the same vein, the technical sub-committee during its 9th meeting on Wednesday deliberated on the two new chicken breeds received.
The sub-committee, chaired by Prof. Waheed Akin-Hassan, reported that the new chicken breeds – Noiler —- was a locally-developed dual purpose chicken while the Cobb 500 was a meat type chicken breed.
The two technical sub-committees thereafter put their recommendations before the NVRC for final approval.
The NVRC, after exchange of ideas and proper scrutiny of the recommendations put before it, announced the registration and release of the 14 new crop varieties and the two new chicken breeds.
He emphasised that the two breeds were already in the hands of end users, such as poultry farmers, consumers and researchers, saying the release and registration of the breeds are to make it official.
In his remarks, the Director of NACGRAB, Dr Anthony Okere, expressed optimism that the release and registration of the crop varieties would enhance food sufficiency in the country.
Okere urged farmers to embrace the newly released crops to enable them produce quality and quantity with little stress.
He commended the research institutions and other organisations which contributed towards the hosting of the meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), has called for strengthened collaboration to enhance Africa’s agribusiness ecosystem and address food security challenges.
NIPRD’s Director-General, Dr Obi Adigwe in a statement on Wednesday also announced the upcoming 2024 Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD).
The event will be held during the World Food Prize event in Iowa, United States from October 30.
According to Adigwe, the dialogue aims to address critical issues such as food insecurity, climate change, and economic uncertainty, while bolstering Africa’s agribusiness ecosystem.
He expressed optimism that the dialogue would yield meaningful outcomes, creating sustainable links between food and medicine security across Africa.
Adigwe, who is also AAD’s Chairman for Advocacy and Engagement, highlighted the dialogue as a chance for Nigeria to showcase its commitment to food security and agribusiness.
“Hosted by Novo Modo Company, owner of the AgroAfrica Magazine brand, AAD will bring together influential stakeholders to form a coalition that promotes resilience and shared prosperity across African agribusiness,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the World Food Prize Foundation awards the prestigious World Food Prize, honoring individuals who have significantly improved global food quality and availability.
This $500,000 prize recognises achievements in fields like plant, animal, and soil sciences, food technology, nutrition, and rural development. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
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)
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with technical experts have commenced a state-level Cadre Harmonisé (CH) analysis to identify areas facing food and nutrition insecurity.
The CH is a unified tool used to provide rigorous and transparent analysis of current and projected food and nutrition security situations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six-day CH workshop in Yola includes analysts from Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi states.
Dr Dishi Khobe, Special Adviser to the Adamawa State Governor on Food Security, noted the importance of the exercise in obtaining reliable data to identify areas affected by severe poverty, food shortages and malnutrition.
“The main goal is to combat food insecurity, the poor are getting poorer due to the rising cost of living and we lack reliable data to support our people effectively.
“We have followed the CH exercise for a long time and observed that the trends are accurate and factual, it has shown hotspots on the map for immediate intervention.
“The state government is making efforts to improve and take ownership of the project so that when the supporting partners withdraw, we can fully take over without leaving any gaps,” he said.
Mr Bulama Dauda, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the exercise aims to consolidate evidence on food and nutrition security at the state level.
“The CH involves analysing the food and nutrition situation for specific areas, such as Local Government Areas, states, and the country as a whole, it is essential for shaping effective response plans.
“The results are used globally, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel countries, to guide responses to food and nutrition crises, support decision-making, planning, implementation, and budgeting for interventions,” Dauda added.
Dr Ibrahim Bayaso, Adamawa State CH Coordinator, noted that the analysis helps governments and humanitarian partners to prioritise areas for response.
“When food insecurity and nutrition challenges arise, it is crucial to identify the areas that need immediate intervention.
“The CH process identifies five phases: minimal, under pressure stress, crisis, emergency, and famine, which guide governments and donor partners in determining the areas that require urgent assistance”, he said.
Mr Jasper Mwesigwa, Food Security Analyst, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), noted that Nigeria was experiencing prolonged period of economic hardship and high inflation rates since 2023.
This, he added puts pressure on families and communities.
He noted that the country also faced the impact of climate change, including severe flooding and droughts, along with conflicts that have displaced populations, creating compounded vulnerabilities.
“The CH process provides timely and credible data to guide humanitarian actors and government agencies in targeting their responses to the most vulnerable populations”.
NAN reports that the CH state-level analysis is being conducted across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The partners include FAO, the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), Action Against Hunger, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, UNICEF, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
