After world Food Day Celebration what next for Nigeria

World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16th, commemorates the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. 

This day has grown into a global movement focused on the urgent issues surrounding food security, hunger, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition. 

The theme for this year's World Food Day highlighted the interconnected challenges of global hunger and the need for sustainable, inclusive food systems.

After celebrating World Food Day, Nigeria faces the pressing task of turning awareness into tangible action to address food insecurity and promote sustainable agriculture. 

Here are some critical next steps for Nigeria:

1. Strengthening Local Food Systems: Nigeria needs resilient local food systems to enhance food security and reduce dependence on food imports. Investing in infrastructure such as storage facilities, processing plants, and transportation networks can prevent post-harvest losses, which are a significant issue in the country. Strengthening these systems will ensure that locally produced food reaches markets and consumers efficiently.

2. Supporting Smallholder Farmers: Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food production, often face challenges such as limited access to credit, training, and modern equipment. Targeted support, such as low-interest loans, subsidies, and agricultural training programs, can empower them to produce more food sustainably. Additionally, providing them access to markets and encouraging cooperatives can increase their bargaining power and income.

3. Promoting Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Climate change poses a substantial risk to Nigeria’s food security, with increasing droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns affecting crop yields. Nigeria can adopt climate-resilient practices such as drought-tolerant crops, agroforestry, and water-saving techniques to help farmers adapt. Government initiatives like the Green Alternative Agenda emphasize sustainable agricultural practices, but they need stronger implementation and support at the grassroots level.

4. Enhancing Food Security Programs: Expanding food security programs, especially in areas vulnerable to conflict and climate change, is critical. Programs focused on nutrition for children, pregnant women, and vulnerable populations can help reduce malnutrition rates. Nigeria can also collaborate with international partners to scale up food assistance programs in the most affected regions, including those in the north affected by insurgency.

5. Addressing Food Waste and Losses: Nigeria loses a significant amount of food post-harvest due to inadequate storage and processing facilities. Reducing these losses through better storage techniques and improved supply chain management can increase food availability without expanding production. Education on food preservation techniques, especially in rural areas, can also play a crucial role.

6. Boosting Agricultural Research and Innovation: Investment in agricultural research and innovation is essential for Nigeria to modernize its farming practices. Developing improved crop varieties, sustainable pest control methods, and innovative farming tools can help farmers increase productivity. Supporting organizations like the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) will enable the country to address unique challenges such as soil fertility and climate adaptation.

7. Creating Market Access and Fair Trade Opportunities: Ensuring farmers have fair market access can boost their income and incentivize food production. By developing fair trade policies, Nigeria can help farmers get better prices for their produce. Market access initiatives could also include partnerships with agro-processing industries to create value-added products, ensuring that farmers benefit from the entire value chain.

8. Educating on Nutrition and Sustainable Food Choices: Raising public awareness on the importance of balanced nutrition and sustainable food choices is necessary for long-term food security. Schools, NGOs, and community programs can promote nutritional awareness and teach communities about healthy eating. Sustainable diets help reduce demand for highly processed imports and encourage the consumption of locally grown food, which strengthens food security.

9. Government Policy Implementation and Accountability: The Nigerian government has policies like the National Food Security Program and Agricultural Transformation Agenda, but these need more accountability and transparency in execution. Ensuring that allocated funds are used effectively, minimizing corruption, and conducting regular assessments of policy impacts are crucial steps. Enhanced collaboration between government agencies, private sectors, and local communities can also lead to better policy outcomes.

10. Encouraging Youth Participation in Agriculture: Agriculture needs fresh perspectives and energy, and involving youth is vital for the sector’s growth. Providing training, access to technology, and incentives for young people to pursue careers in agriculture can help modernize the sector and create more employment opportunities. Youth-focused programs can also drive innovation, sustainability, and increased productivity in Nigeria’s agriculture.

For Nigeria, the end of World Food Day is a signal to intensify action in transforming the agricultural sector. By focusing on these steps, Nigeria can move closer to achieving sustainable food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition across the country. With strategic investments, collaborative efforts, and consistent policy implementation, Nigeria can pave the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure future.