Stakeholders Advocate Massive Investment To Tackle Food Insecurity

Stakeholders in the agriculture sector has decried the poor investment in the sector, stating that multi-sectorial investment is needed to boost activities in the agriculture value chain.

Speaking at an event to commemorate the 2020 World Food Day, the Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria, Ene Obi noted that there has been consistent decline of investment in the sector.

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She said, “As we mark this day, we look forward at the achievements in the sector, but there are a lot if things we can still achieve if we work harder to develop the sector”.

“Investment in the agricultural sector has been on a steady decline and this is an issue that need to be resolved.”

She stated that investments in infrastructure such as road, power as well as human capital is key to the development of the sector.

The Parmanent Secretary, Abdukadir Mu’azu, said that implementation of the Agricultural Promotion Policy would provide a disciplined approach to building an agric ecosystem that would solve the challenges currently facing the sector.

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He explained that the event underscores the government’s role and efforts in intensifying production and processing across the value chain to meet domestic capacity and close the demand-supply gaps.

He said, “In response to the World Food Security, the Ministry had imbibed the culture of promoting best practices in agricultural development, using innovative technology and modern farming approaches.

“The Ministry has also fashioned out a clear policy direction to provide a road map for the strategic implementation of key programmes and projects.”

He explained that the Green Alternative framework (2016-2020) features the first pillar on productivity enhancement for commodity value chain development, as well as incorporation of private investments and institutional alignment.

The policy according to him represents the support instruments for addressing land access, soil fertility, information, input access, production, storage, processing and marketing.

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He added, “The pillar also deals with agribusiness financing and investment, infrastructure, youth and women, research, nutrition and earning significant foreign exchange from agriculture, as well as stakeholders’ roles in consultation with partners in the agriculture sector.

“The Ministry’s policy direction is fashioned towards increased agricultural output in the country, utilization of dams and irrigation facilities, strengthening agricultural extension services, implementing a private sector-driven mechanization programme, streamlining the mandates and operations of research institutes”.

Speaking further, Mu’azu reiterated the commitment of the government in ensuring effective implementation of the Agricultural Promotion Policy as a tool to strengthen agribusiness ecosystem.

The Country Director, Oxfam, Constance Tchona, in his remarks noted that the Agriculture sector is strategic to Nigeria’s economy as well as Africa at large, adding that there is need to deepen efforts towards developing the sector.

The Country Director who was represented by Olumide Ojo, said that there is need to scale up investments in the sector to ensure food security in the country.

Tchona said, “Access to food is justifiable right of every Nigeria, hence there is need to scale up investments in the sector to ensure that adequate food production”.

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“At Oxfam, we will continue to provide support to the ministry and farmers in Nigeria.”

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