A concerning revelation has surfaced, indicating that an additional Six Million More Nigerians are set to experience insufficient food consumption by the end of this month, joining the estimated 88.5 million already grappling with hunger. This disclosure was made by Kingsley Uzoma, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusinesses and Productivity Enhancement, during a policy dialogue in Abuja.
The dialogue, titled “Deepening Partnership for Scaling-Up of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) for Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria,” was organized by the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Uzoma expressed deep concern over the alarming surge of over 80% in food importation between 2019 and 2023, Six Million More Nigerians attributing the rise in hunger to a decline in agricultural capacity, making the country heavily reliant on food imports. The removal of subsidies on petrol and other government policies further exacerbated the situation, leading to a notable increase in food prices.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Uzoma mentioned that Six Million More Nigerians is highest rate of stunted children globally, with 70% of the population living below the poverty line. Additionally, the country witnessed a 31.52% food inflation rate in October. In response to the escalating food crisis, President Muhammadu Buhari declared a state of emergency in food security.
Uzoma emphasized the need for sustained efforts in digital literacy and collaboration to enhance technology adoption by smallholder farmers. He underscored the importance of IFAD-financed programs, such as the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) and Livelihood Improvement and Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), which integrate Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) tools.
However, Uzoma acknowledged existing challenges in data access, gender equality, infrastructure, and technical support. He called for a twin approach involving the development of critical technology infrastructure and the implementation of low-technology solutions, such as USSD and WhatsApp, to increase accessibility.
Urging increased collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and NITDA, Uzoma emphasized the significance of implementing the National Digital Agriculture Strategy. The multifaceted approach aims to empower one million women, youths, and minorities, achieve food and nutritional sovereignty, ensure food security, and generate jobs.
IFAD Country Director, Dede Ekoue, highlighted that the dialogue aimed to strengthen partnerships for smallholder farmers’ enhanced access to digital solutions, fostering livelihoods, contributing to food security, nutrition, poverty reduction, economic growth, and job creation. The critical need for collaborative efforts and technological interventions remains paramount to address the escalating food crisis in Nigeria.
For more news visit https://arritoneconsult.com.ng/blog
For more educational post visit examhood.com.ng