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Climate change

World Food Day 2023: Emphasizing Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

World Food Day, celebrated globally on October 16, aims to raise awareness about the importance of food security and access to nutritious diets. The day is marked by several organizations, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the World Food Program, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). This year's theme, "Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind," highlights the vital role of water in food production and the need for collective responsibility in fostering healthy and sustainable food systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The World Food Day 2023 theme emphasizes the importance of water in food production and the need to protect this precious resource.
  • Food systems transformation, including all aspects of food production, processing, packaging, and consumption, should be strategically reviewed to improve agricultural production in Nigeria.
  • Nigerian smallholder farmers, who constitute more than 80% of the country's farmers and produce over 90% of the food consumed, should be encouraged and celebrated for their efforts in feeding the nation.
  • The day is an opportunity to highlight the global challenge of hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable agricultural practices to achieve equal access to food and water.
  • World Food Day 2023 focuses on the collective responsibility of society to foster healthy and sustainable food systems, and encourages people to celebrate with those who produce, plant, harvest, fish, or transport food.
  • In Nigeria, there is a need to change the narrative and approach food systems without biases, with strong political will and inclusive decision-making processes that involve all stakeholders in agricultural business ecosystems.

Statistics:

  • More than 80% of Nigeria's farmers are smallholder farmers.
  • Smallholder farmers produce over 90% of the food consumed in Nigeria.
  • Over 50% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and water is essential for food production.
  • Water makes up over 50% of the human body, and water is necessary for human survival.
  • The global challenge of hunger and malnutrition affects millions of people worldwide.

Sources:

  • International Fund for Agricultural Development
  • World Food Program
  • Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
  • The theme statement for World Food Day 2023.

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