Call for Nigeria to transform agriculture through more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems
Abuja - Key stakeholders have called upon more efforts to transform Nigeria’s agriculture sector through more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems.
The call was made by key stakeholders during a high-level panel discussion organized to commemorate the World Food Day 2021 presided over by the State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Alhaji Mustapha Baba Shehuri.
It was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
In his remarks, FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Fred Kafeero, said the discussion was part of the celebrations to mark the World Food Day 2021.
Efforts by Government and support by partners
During his opening remarks, Hon. Shehuri shared details of various efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria in preserving and transforming the agri-food systems towards achieving food security and nutrition in the country.
In his remarks that were read on his behalf by the FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Fred Kafeero, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Dr. Edward Kallon, underscored the importance of food systems in ensuring food security, nutrition and environmental sustainability.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, HE Knut Eiliv Lein, represented by the Embassy’s Trade Counsellor, Hans Peter Christophersen, explained his country’s support to Nigeria for sustainable food systems.
Senior Advisors to the President on Agriculture, Dr. Andrew Kwasari and Sustainable Development Goals, HE Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, touched on the key highlights in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture in efforts to achieve zero hunger and other SDGs. HE Princess Adefulire was represented by her Assistant, Rose Keffas.
The Country Programme Manager of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Patrick Habamenshi and Country Director a.i of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ronald Sibanda shared spoke about their agencies’ support to the Government of Nigeria in the same area.
Role of smallholder farmers, CSOs
The President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Arc. Kabir Ibrahim and the President Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria, Ms. Mary Afan, dwelt on the role of smallholder farmers in transforming agri-food systems in the country together with the important role that women, who are the majority of all farmers, play in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems.
On her side, ActionAid Country Director, Ms. Ene Obi represented by the organization’s Director of Programmes, Suwaiba Yakub Jibrin, discussed the role of the civil society organizations in efforts for achieving zero hunger.
The virtual panel discussion, which was livestreamed through YouTube and other social media platforms, was moderated by WIPO’s Head of Office in Nigeria, Oluwatobi-loba Moody and was attended by development partners, agriculture researchers, policy makers, academicians, students, private sector media, and members of public.