Concerned about the increasing risks to food security in Northern Nigeria from climate change, falling agricultural output, and post-harvest losses, the Jigawa State Government has voiced its concerns.
While attending Monday’s Bi-Annual Review Meeting in Dutse, Jigawa State, on the implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Strategy across the 19 Northern states, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning voiced the concern.
Extreme weather events, climate change, falling agricultural yields, food supply chain interruptions, and food insecurity are still big problems in the area, he added.
To guarantee sustained food production and increased nutrition, he claims that governments, development partners, and other stakeholders must move quickly and in concert to overcome the obstacles.
Across Northern Nigeria, food insecurity, malnutrition, climate change, declining agricultural productivity, post-harvest losses, and disruptions in food supply chains remain significant challenges that require urgent and coordinated action,” stated he.
According to the Commissioner, a holistic strategy incorporating agriculture, healthcare, nutrition, ecological preservation, infrastructure, and social security is necessary to tackle the problems.
If the 19 northern states were serious about reducing food waste and increasing agricultural resilience, he said, they needed to implement climate-smart agriculture, better storage and processing technology, and sustainable management of natural resources.
For agricultural policies to have an impact, he said, they must be well-funded, well-planned, and executed.
According to the Commissioner, transforming food systems should involve more than just holding meetings and formulating policies; it should also involve implementing concrete interventions to boost agricultural output, household incomes, and access to healthy food.
He emphasised the importance of participating governments working together more closely, better mobilising resources, and making sure that development plans and annual budgets incorporate food security concerns.
Critical actors in food production, processing, and distribution, he went on to say, including smallholder farmers, women, young people, and vulnerable households, all need our support.
The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, FAO, and other development partners have been instrumental in bolstering food security in Northern Nigeria, and the Commissioner has praised their work.
He was hopeful that the region could address its food security difficulties with the support of improved collaborations, enough investment, and continuous political commitment.