Calabar, Oct. 17, 2024 (TheGavel) – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has expressed growing concerns over the adverse impacts of climate change, inflation, and insecurity on food availability in Nigeria. These challenges are affecting the nation’s agricultural sector, limiting food production, and threatening food security.
Mr. Innocent Moses, the Cross River State Coordinator for IFAD’s Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), highlighted these issues during an exhibition organized in Calabar to mark World Food Day 2024. The event, themed “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” aimed to raise awareness about the fundamental right to access nutritious food.
According to Moses, the LIFE-ND project, which is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), focuses on sensitizing farming communities about sustainable land use practices, afforestation, and conservation of resources.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Moses emphasized the need for modern agricultural practices that optimize land use to improve yields. “The project equips farming communities with best practices in agriculture, so they don’t need to exploit vast hectares of land to achieve what could be produced on a single hectare,” he explained.
He also outlined the project’s successes in Cross River, including job creation and the development of vital infrastructure. “We have recorded notable strides, such as climate-resilient infrastructure, including bridges and market facilities, the establishment of six mini poultry clusters, and the rehabilitation of 10 poultry buildings.”
In addition, Moses noted the creation of two fish production clusters, a cassava processing mill, and the completion of market facilities that include boreholes and rainwater harvesting systems.
Government Commitment to Agricultural Growth
Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, Cross River’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, commended the efforts of IFAD and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to agricultural development. “All citizens have a right to nutritious food for a better life and future,” he stated, emphasizing the role of government in supporting agricultural initiatives.
Ebokpo praised the ambitious plans of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu to expand agricultural production. “The government is focused on developing 12,000 hectares for six new cocoa estates across the state, as well as creating the largest community of smallholder oil palm farmers through the procurement of 3.5 million sprouted nuts,” he noted.
He also highlighted the state’s efforts in establishing 2,000 hectares of arable land in Odukpani Local Government Area for crop cultivation.
A Call to Action on Food Security
World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16, draws attention to the importance of ensuring access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. This year’s theme emphasizes the need for global action to guarantee food security for future generations. IFAD’s efforts in Nigeria, in collaboration with government and local communities, aim to build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.(NAN)
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