First and foremost, thanks for providing the medium for this dialogue.
In many African Countries like Nigeria, policies for above is top heavy. These policies must first consult the urban dwellers prior to developing them.
Then proper sensitize sensitization and education to ensure the urban dwellers fully participate in the changes proposed. While these policies might look good on paper and it appears govt or Dev partners are doing them a favor, lack of their involvement renders these programs/ projects almost useless and therefore, not utilized.
The African continent has lists of potential. Benue State in Nigeria, labeled the food basket of Nigeria stands to feed Nigeria and indeed Africa with net export globally.
Agricultural Mechanization is desired, however, in our country the effort must carry these farmers along. While doing so, the peasant farmers must be encouraged and carried along as these primitive methods will take a while to change to ensure food and nutrition security.
Then comes the value addition post harvest to transport, storage, processing, and marketing. This will overall prevent post harvest losses with fortification and enrichment which are the bedrock of nutrition and food security.
This means that micro and small enterprises will be established in the rural areas. In Benue, uninterrupted sources of power must first be established. No food and nutrition security can take place anywhere in the world without consistent & adequate power supply. This is especially needed in rural areas of Nigeria particularly Benue State.
Looking forward to feedback from others to learn what the rest of the world is doing in his area. I've joined to learn from all of you pls.
Hon. Dorcas Ukpe
Adviser to Governor on Food and Nutrition Security.
Benue State.
Nigeria.
Sra. Dorcas Ukpe