Collaborative effort by govt, stakeholders and farmers can improve food productivity – Okezie

Blessing Ngozi Okezie, an entrepreneur and agriculturist, discussed Nigeria’s food insecurity, highlighting low agricultural productivity, outdated farming practices, and climate change as major contributors. She stressed the need for climate-smart agriculture, improved irrigation, mechanization, and better storage to enhance food security. Okezie also addressed malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and maternal nutrition. She criticized the growing trend of using artificial milk, warning of its negative impact on child development. Additionally, she identified challenges facing small-scale industries, including insufficient capital, high interest rates, and poor infrastructure, urging government support to boost local businesses and the economy.  Source: BusinessDay

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Blessing Ngozi Okezie’s insights into Nigeria’s acute food insecurity highlight the critical issues plaguing the agricultural sector, including low productivity, soil degradation, climate change, and inadequate irrigation. These challenges create a ripple effect across the entire value chain, from production to distribution, leading to food shortages and high prices. The emphasis on adopting climate-smart agriculture, mechanization, and improved extension services is essential for enhancing productivity and ensuring food security.
Okezie’s call for government and stakeholder collaboration to rehabilitate irrigation schemes, promote diverse crop production, and develop robust value chains is timely. By addressing post-harvest losses through better storage and processing facilities, Nigeria can significantly reduce wastage and increase food availability. Furthermore, her focus on empowering small-scale farmers with technology and training will help bridge the productivity gap and meet the growing demand for food.
For SMEs in agriculture, these strategies can foster growth by creating a more predictable and supportive environment. This approach will not only improve food security but also boost economic resilience by increasing exports and creating jobs.