As Nigeria marks World Food Day, ActionAid Nigeria has sounded the alarm on the country’s alarming post-harvest losses, estimated at N3.5 trillion annually. This staggering figure threatens national food security and economic stability.
“Nigeria’s agricultural sector is plagued by inefficiencies and neglect, leaving nearly 106 million rural dwellers trapped in poverty,” said Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration Insufficient
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s July 2023 declaration of a state of emergency on food security, Mamedu emphasized that more needs to be done.
Investments Needed to Support Smallholder Farmers
ActionAid Nigeria recommends:
1. Massive investments in irrigation and credit facilities.
2. Establishing small cottage processing and storage facilities in rural communities.
3. Special credit access programs for women and youth cooperatives.
4. Expanded security measures to protect farmers.
5. Investment in rural roads to support agriculture produce transportation and trade.
Statistics Reveal Grim Reality
- Only 26% of smallholder women farmers have access to processing facilities.
- 18% have adequate storage facilities.
- 10% have reliable transportation.
- 21% enjoy market access.
- 39% receive post-harvest loss reduction training.
Call to Action
ActionAid Nigeria urges President Tinubu and state governors to act swiftly to ensure Nigeria’s agriculture sector becomes a beacon of food security, prosperity, and hope.
“Deliberate public investments are critical. Neglecting the sector will perpetuate hunger, poverty, and inequality,” Mamedu warned.
Source: ActionAid Nigeria, Vanguard.
