By Felicia Imohimi

One Acre Fund (OAF), an international NGO, has called for urgent action from the government, agricultural stakeholders, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure food system transformation in Nigeria.

Adetola Adegbite, OAF Nigeria Country Director, made the call at the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Thursday in Abuja, themed “Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap”.

Adegbite stressed that achieving food security required collective commitment and action, describing collaboration as key to transforming the country’s food system.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing food security challenges, driven by climate change, economic instability, limited access to quality agricultural inputs, and market constraints for smallholder farmers.

“With over 40 per cent of the population living below the poverty line and nearly 20 per cent of children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition, based on the 2020 World Bank report, urgent action is needed to build resilient food systems that support both farmers and consumers.

“Nigeria is a nation of 200 million or 220 million people, with smallholder farmers producing nearly 80 per cent of our food supply, yet we face serious food security challenges.

“Good leadership, strong partnerships, and targeted investment will change this trajectory to bridge the gaps with smart solutions.

“We believe that smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of our food system, are key contributors to transforming agriculture in Nigeria.

“By working together to strengthen our agricultural foundation, improving soil health, financing, market access, and value chains, we can build resilience, improve livelihoods through agronomy, and secure the economy of our nation,” he said.

Adegbite stated that the dialogue aimed to build a sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.

He noted that a farmer’s greatest strength was not just the seeds he planted but the health of the soil, emphasising that partnerships provide the foundation farmers need to thrive.

He further stated that the dialogue offered an opportunity to share insights and develop practical solutions for achieving food security in Nigeria.

Adegbite stressed that collective action from government agencies, agribusinesses, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society was essential in building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural system.

He said the dialogue aimed to address food security challenges, highlight solutions for smallholder farmers, and promote collaboration across sectors.

“The objective is also to discuss climate adaptation strategies and sustainable farming practices that enhance resilience and food production.

“To shape policy recommendations that strengthen the agricultural sector and improve smallholder farmers’ access to inputs, finance, and markets,” he said.

Adegbite said the theme of the dialogue challenged all stakeholders to address the disconnect in the country’s food system.

“The gap between policies and implementation, how do we ensure government policies effectively support smallholder farmers?

“How do we address the gap between farmers and the market, improve supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and channel resources to areas where they are needed?”

Mr Emmanuel Bamgboye, Field Operations/Programme Lead at OAF Nigeria, stated that the dialogue was an opportunity for stakeholders to unite in addressing the challenge of achieving sustainable and inclusive food security.

In his presentation, “One Acre Fund’s Programmes in Nigeria: Contributing to Food Security”, Bamgboye identified achieving sustainable and inclusive food security as one of Nigeria’s most urgent issues.

He explained that the organisation envisions farmers earning more through larger harvests, improved market access, fair prices, and minimised post-harvest losses.

According to him, when farmers thrive, families eat better, children receive education, and rural communities flourish.

“To achieve these and many more in transforming Nigeria’s food security, we must scale up agricultural innovations that enhance productivity and foster climate resilience.

“Revise policies that grant smallholders better access to finance, land, and extension services.

“Invest in infrastructure and value chains so farmers can efficiently store and market their harvests.

“Empower women and youth, the foundational pillars of tomorrow’s agricultural sector”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade