ABUJA- Some stakeholders have reiterated the critical need for collaborative efforts to tackle the ongoing food security crisis in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The stakeholders spoke at the US-Nigeria Roundtable Conference on Food Security and Safety on Tuesday in Abuja.
They acknowledged that the region’s agriculture and food systems are struggling to meet growing demands, while emphasising that collaborative action could significantly improve production and reduce waste.
Prof. Umezuruike Opara, Executive Director, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) International Centre for Biotechnology, said that the food security crisis was evident across constituencies.
“We have a problem with our agriculture and food system—that’s clear. But it is not insurmountable. There are lessons we can learn from other countries like the United States and South Africa to strengthen our approach.
“Nigeria remains a consuming rather than a producing nation, with insufficient agricultural productivity to meet its domestic needs.
“The need to boost both local production and productivity is crucial to reversing this trend. Thus, the need for greater value addition to crops.
“Also, most of the little we produce is sold without any processing or manufacturing, leaving us with minimal economic gain,” he said.
According to Opara, another significant issue raised during the conference was the alarming level of food waste in the country.
He said: “Up to 40 per cent of agricultural produce in the country is lost between farm and market due to poor infrastructure and inadequate preservation methods.
“We must save our harvest. And improving storage and transportation can prevent significant food losses.”
Opara noted that the role of the private sector was also vital to resolving food insecurity.
“Agriculture must be treated like any other industry. Without incentives and profitability for those involved, including private enterprises, the sector will continue to lag behind,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Henry Emejuo, Director-General, Pan-African Association of Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI), also restated the need for structural improvements in agricultural infrastructure.
According to him, lack of funds, poor infrastructure and limited access to mechanised farming are major obstacles to food security.
He appealed for both government and private sector’s committed involvement to address these issues.
“Participants agreed on the need for a more collaborative approach between governments, private enterprises and development agencies to boost food production and reduce losses.
“All parties were tasked with taking specific responsibilities to drive the agenda forward.
“With hunger becoming increasingly visible not only in rural areas but also in major cities like Abuja and Lagos, there is a renewed sense of urgency to fix the broken agricultural system.
“The conference’s key takeaway is that, while the challenges are daunting, the solutions are within reach if all sectors come together to address them,” Emejuo said. (NAN)
