Sahel Consulting Advocates Increased Investment in Sustainable Agriculture to End Hunger
Addressing the ongoing issue of hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria, the Sahel Food Systems Changemakers Conference organised by Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited in Abuja emphasised the need for increased investment in sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Prof. Mansur Matazu, Director General and CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), along with Dr. Sanjo Faniran of the UN Food System, discussed the challenges facing Nigeria’s agriculture due to irregular and harsh weather patterns, unpredictable rains, droughts, and floods.
These climate-related issues have led to crop failures, disrupted food supply chains, and increased food costs.
Both Prof. Matazu and Dr. Faniran emphasised the importance of incorporating climate advisory into farming to increase yields, reduce risks, and mitigate climate change-induced disasters.
NiMET plays a crucial role in providing meteorological information and early warnings to support agricultural productivity and public safety.
However, challenges exist, including limited access to weather and climate advisory services for smallholder farmers in hard-to-reach areas.
To address these challenges and promote sustainable agriculture, the experts recommended several actions, including:
- Integrating weather and climate advisory systems into sub-national levels: efforts must extend beyond the federal level to reach district-level farmers.
- Involving local actors: Collaborating with farmer networks and industry associations to ensure last-mile dissemination of essential weather and climate advisory services
- Creating partnerships: Establishing strategic collaborations with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and private telecommunication companies to deliver affordable and accessible information through SMS and USSD codes
- Developing standardised alerting protocols: supporting smallholder farmers and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with credible early warning information
- Embracing modern weather early warning systems: Through dedicated approaches and investments, Nigeria can provide farmers with the tools and information they need to navigate the uncertain climate future, ensuring food security and economic stability.
By taking these steps, Nigeria can work towards a brighter agricultural landscape that uplifts livelihoods and secures food for all.
Source: The Guardian Newspaper
