In a nation teeming with vast agricultural resources, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Despite possessing over 80 million arable hectares, only a fraction of this land is actively cultivated. The recent Sectoral Session on Food Security and Agriculture, spearheaded by the Deputy Speaker, shed light on the urgent need to address food insecurity and bolster agricultural productivity.
The Deputy Speaker’s Policy Statement highlighted the sobering reality of Nigeria’s food landscape. Despite the country’s agricultural potential, food insecurity looms large, exacerbated by persistent challenges such as low yields, food price inflation, and reliance on imports.
Identifying four critical levers for improvement, the Deputy Speaker outlined a comprehensive approach. These levers include increasing per capita consumption, raising production yields, curbing food price inflation, and reducing reliance on imports. Each lever addresses a specific aspect of the multifaceted issue, aiming to tackle food insecurity from various angles.
One of the key insights gleaned from the session is the need to draw inspiration from successful comparator countries. South Africa, Paraguay, and Ukraine serve as shining examples of nations that have implemented effective policies to drive agricultural growth and productivity. By studying their strategies, Nigeria can tailor its approach to suit its unique context while capitalizing on proven methodologies.
However, Nigeria’s path to agricultural prosperity is fraught with challenges. Insecurity in regions like the North East and North Central, coupled with banditry in the North West, has taken a severe toll on food production. Rural farmers, who contribute significantly to the nation’s food supply, bear the brunt of these conflicts, facing dwindling yields and shrinking cultivated land.
To overcome these obstacles, a concerted effort is required from all stakeholders. Government agencies, ministers, and policymakers must collaborate to implement tangible solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity. This includes providing farmers with access to timely inputs, enhancing credit facilities, and fostering an enabling environment for agricultural innovation.
Ultimately, the goal is clear: to harness the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By prioritizing food security, rural development, and economic prosperity, Nigeria can chart a course towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all its citizens.
As the Deputy Speaker eloquently stated, “Let us endeavor to make Nigerians food secure and economically thriving.” It is a call to action that resonates not only in the hallowed halls of government but also in the hearts and minds of every Nigerian who dreams of a brighter tomorrow.
Babs LV