Experts in the agricultural sector have emphasised the need to reorganise to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s food system.
The stakeholders at a conference with the theme, ‘Agenda for Sustainable Development and Food Security’ are of the opinion that the food systems that deliver healthy people, planet, and economy will require strategic partnerships across development finance, countries, philanthropy, the private sector, and civil society organisations.
Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, an Agric Economist with the World Bank in his presentation, urged the government to shift focus towards driving an integrated food system’s agenda that promotes new ways of doing business, in pursuits of healthy people, environment, and the economy, addressing market and institutional incentives.
He said that agriculture has the potential to lift people out of poverty, that it is the sector best-placed to deliver growth that benefits the poorest and most vulnerable.
“We can unlock the full potential of partners to drive structural change—if we garner the political will to do so—and take multiple actions across multiple sectors, replicating successful interventions, leveraging significant public and private expenditures, and capturing increasing returns to scale on investments.
He pointed out that an investment now will pay long-term dividends—an investment in future generations.
According to him, the systems approach will be achieved through “five I’s”: innovation, incentives, institutions, investment, and information:
Oredipe said that improving Agricultural sector growth and transformation Productivity growth (Rejuvenated Research and Extension Services) will further ensure food security in the country.
He said that the government should enhance competitiveness (Market Development), and greater diversification of the production base and the whole agricultural value chain, stressing that supporting Agribusiness SMEs will play a critical role in linking smallholder producers to national markets, meeting food demand, and creating job opportunities.
Also, Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner Lagos state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in her presentation is optimistic that through integrated stakeholders’ engagement, Nigeria has the power to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Olusanya, who was represented by Emmanuel Audu, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said that food security is more than just having enough food on the table that it’s about ensuring that everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food at all times.
According to her, “Food security is a cornerstone of any stable and prosperous society; it ensures that every individual has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead a healthy life.
“In Nigeria, despite our rich agricultural heritage and potential, we face significant challenges in achieving this goal. Thus, addressing these challenges through a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving all stakeholders is the major step towards achieving food Security.
To achieve these goals, she pointed out that the diversity of stakeholders involved in the food system must first be recognized; from farmers to consumers, policymakers to researchers, and everyone in between, that each stakeholder plays a crucial role.
“By bringing these diverse voices together, we can harness their collective wisdom and resources to create sustainable solutions.”
She identified the primary challenges hindering the nation’s food security and self-sufficiency to include; Fragmented Agricultural Practices, Inadequate Infrastructure, Financial Constraints, Policy and Regulatory Gaps, Climate Change, Insecurities, Conversion of Land Designated to Agriculture to Housing Estate, among others.
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