Emmanuel OchayiIn a move towards ensuring food security in Nigeria, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has declared his ministry’s intention to collaborate closely with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
This exciting announcement came to light during a pivotal meeting held in Abuja between Senator Kyari and IFAD’s Country Representative, Mrs. Dede Ekoue.
The core of this collaboration is aimed at not only fortifying food security but also addressing multifaceted challenges such as rural poverty, job creation, and poverty eradication. This initiative aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which seeks to usher in a new era of prosperity and well-being for the Nigerian population.
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Senator Kyari, while speaking about the significance of this partnership, highlighted the numerous challenges Nigeria currently faces, including insecurity, flooding, and climate change, all of which have taken a toll on agricultural yields.
He underscored the crucial role of international support in ensuring a consistent food supply for Nigerians, especially considering that four out of eight key agenda items of President Tinubu are dedicated to food security.
In Senator Kyari’s own words, “Since 1985, IFAD has been Nigeria’s trusted partner for reducing rural poverty. President Bola Tinubu is committed to his Renewed Hope Agenda to implement programs and policies that will enhance food security, job creation, and poverty eradication. To achieve these, the President declared a state of emergency on food security.”
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Amidst expressions of gratitude for IFAD’s historical support and the opportunities it has offered to Nigeria, Senator Kyari welcomed contributions and assistance from international partners to tackle the country’s pressing challenges. On the other hand, Mrs. Ekoue, the IFAD Country Representative, praised the existing cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and IFAD on various fronts, expressing her satisfaction with Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to food security.
Highlighting the enduring partnership between Nigeria and IFAD, which began nearly four decades ago in 1985, Mrs. Ekoue emphasized its pivotal role in enhancing food security by supporting small-holder farmers.
Mrs. Ekoue’s visit served to reaffirm IFAD’s dedication to food security in Nigeria and introduce a fresh cooperation strategy designed to guide investments and collaboration. Exciting opportunities on the horizon include advancements in technology and mechanization, fostering greater participation of women in agriculture, integrating animal husbandry, and encouraging increased private sector involvement in food systems, among other vital initiatives.
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