Food Security: Federal Government Pledges Commitment to FAO

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to harness innovations and technologies for a Food-Secure Future.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, at the 33rd session of FAO’s regional conference for Africa (ARC 33) in Rabat, capital of Morocco, said that the theme of the conference: “Resilient Agrifood Systems and Inclusive Rural Transformation,” resonated deeply with the challenges Nigeria faces regarding food security, explaining that the conference provides a vital platform for fostering collaboration and partnerships at national and regional levels, crucial for addressing these challenges.

Kyari said: “Our country will benefit from technical cooperation, agricultural mechanisation, and grants for our farmers. Nigeria is fully committed to working hand in hand with FAO to harness innovations and technologies for a Food-Secure Future.”

He stressed that embracing these advancements present a unique opportunity to revolutionise agrifood systems, ensuring better production, nutrition, environment, and overall livelihoods for all.

Meanwhile, FAO lamented that hunger levels in Africa have increased in the past two years, due to lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, the climate crisis and economic shocks, but stated that the continent’s possibilities are vast while also expressing optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead is in order.

The Director General, FAO, Mr. QU Dongyu, said: “Africa boasts the largest area of arable land of any continent and is abundant in natural resources. Africa’s young people offer extraordinary potential.”

He added that pushing forward on the regional agenda embodied in joint commitments such as the Maputo Declaration and Malabo Declaration would require charting a new course, together and now, to transform the continent’s agrifood systems, calling for strategic partnerships, greater investments, and harnessing the power of digital technologies to drive efficiency and productivity in Africa’s agriculture sectors.

In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister of Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch, outlined the Kingdom’s substantial multiyear investments in enhancing irrigation and water efficiency as well as other agrifood initiatives that have improved rural incomes.

“Putting investment at the center of the farming equation” is also central to Morocco’s Green Generation plan promoted by King Mohammed VI,” the prime minister said.