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Food supply

Harnessing Prosperity: The Power of Sustainable Food Economics in Nigeria

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Professor Oluyede Aturamu, an agricultural economics expert, has emphasized the need for an inclusive agricultural policy and stakeholders' partnership to achieve a sustainable food economy in Nigeria. He delivered the maiden inaugural lecture at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, titled 'Harvesting Prosperity: The Power of Sustainable Food Economics in Nigeria.' Aturamu stressed that food security is essential for economic stability, social welfare, and national security, and that the ability of a nation to feed its population is a direct consequence of its economic resilience, governance effectiveness, and overall development trajectory.

Key Takeaways:

  • The implementation of agricultural policies and regulatory frameworks by the government and its agencies must be consistent to achieve food security and economic development in Nigeria.
  • The Land Use Act should be amended to secure land rights for smallholder farmers, incentivizing sustainable land use and access to farmland.
  • Strengthening regulatory frameworks to support agroecology, environmental protections, and sustainable investments is crucial in aligning Nigeria's agricultural policies with global sustainability goals.
  • Emphasis should be placed on climate adaptation, soil health, and biodiversity with strong collaboration between universities, development agencies, and startups.
  • Farmers and agribusiness should adopt climate-smart, tech-enabled practices, and academic institutions must drive innovation and knowledge sharing.
  • Building a resilient and sustainable food economy in Nigeria hinges on collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to environmental and social well-being.

Specific initiatives and programs mentioned include:

  • The Agricultural Transformation Agenda
  • The National Food Security Strategy
  • The use of digital tools such as mobile-based agricultural platforms and blockchain for traceability
  • The adoption of climate-smart, tech-enabled practices by farmers and agribusiness
  • The drive for innovation and knowledge sharing by academic institutions

Statistics:

  • Nigeria's food security is crucial for economic stability, social welfare, and national security.
  • Food security is a direct consequence of a nation's economic resilience, governance effectiveness, and overall development trajectory.
  • Climate change poses a significant threat to food security and sustainable development in Nigeria.
  • The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices is essential for achieving food security and economic development in Nigeria.

Sources:

  • "Aturamu advocates inclusive agricultural policy for Nigeria" (The PUNCH, March 2023)
  • Professor Oluyede Aturamu's maiden inaugural lecture at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti

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