‘Nigeria, Others Face Alarming Rates of Food Deficiencies’

James Emejo in Abuja

The Managing Partner, Sahel Consulting, Mr. Temi Adegoroye, has warned that climate change is no longer a distant threat to food security but a stark reality that affects every aspect of human endeavour.

Speaking at the 2023 Sahel Food System Changemakers Conference, in Abuja, Adegoroye said despite the country’s rich culinary heritage, “We face alarming rates of food deficiencies” adding “Nowhere is this more evident than in diets and food systems”.

He also blamed the country’s rising food inflation which he put at about 25 per cent in the third quarter of 2023 on the impact of climate change, forcing many households to spend almost 60 per cent of their income on food.

He however, reiterated the company’s firmly rooted commitment to transforming the agriculture and nutrition landscape through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international development organisations.

He told THISDAY, “Our approach encompasses extensive market research across key value chains, policy engagements, strategic advisory, and the implementation of innovative ecosystem solutions, programs, and business models.

“We firmly believe that development actors and the private sector play pivotal roles in driving growth within the agriculture and nutrition landscapes, and we support key actors with the tools and support required to succeed. 

“In conjunction with our sister organisation, the African Food Changemakers, we are uniquely positioned to tackle the problems facing our food ecosystem.”

He said Sahel is currently engaging with several actors in the public and private sectors and development landscape to drive positive change in the food ecosystem.

Adegoroye, said the firm has  implemented numerous high-impact intervention programmes, covering diverse value chains and themes, adding that these initiatives are targeted at addressing several complex issues in the agricultural sector.

 He said, “Currently, we are actively involved in projects focused on developing seed systems, supporting agribusinesses to build and operate viable businesses, improving livelihoods by promoting sustainable farming practices and developing market systems, promoting gender equity through economic development and capacity building, youth empowerment, and policy design and implementation.”