The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through its Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises-Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) initiative, assumed a pivotal role in the 2024 World Food Day celebrations in Cross River State. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the event highlighted a spectrum of activities aimed at tackling food security challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, with IFAD-LIFE ND’s contributions prominently showcased.
During the event, Mr. Innocent Ogbin, the State Project Coordinator for IFAD-LIFE ND, underscored the profound issues threatening global and local food security, such as hunger, climate change, inflation, and insecurity. He stressed the importance of adopting government policies that directly address these pressing concerns. “Increased investment in human capacity development, especially in research and development, is imperative,” he asserted, adding that such initiatives would propel agribusiness success and mitigate the pervasive problem of food insecurity.
Mr. Ogbin also highlighted the success of the IFAD-LIFE ND project, which has engaged numerous youths in agricultural enterprises, thereby bolstering food security while fostering economic empowerment for women and the younger generation across the Niger Delta. This, he noted, was a testament to the project’s far-reaching impact on the socio-economic landscape of the region.
A panel discussion during the event saw experts voicing similar concerns. They emphasized that achieving food security and upholding the right to food necessitates a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive agricultural system. The speakers noted that the current over-reliance on subsistence farming practices hampers productivity. Instead, they called for a strategic shift towards improving access to essential inputs, including high-yield crop varieties, to enhance food production.
“Food security begins with ensuring availability, accessibility, and affordability,” explained one of the panelists. “The right to food means guaranteeing that it is safe and nutritious for everyone.” Another expert added, “Our focus must shift from merely providing a ‘balanced diet’ to ensuring an ‘adequate diet,’ which meets the essential nutritional needs and promotes overall health.” The discussion further underscored ongoing governmental efforts, such as food fortification, aimed at making essential nutrients readily available in daily diets.
In his keynote address, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo (KSM), the Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, lauded the theme of this year’s celebration, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” He described it as apt, relevant, and timely, aligning seamlessly with the “People First” agenda of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s administration. The governor’s agenda prioritizes food availability, accessibility, and sustainability as essential elements for enhancing the quality of life for residents of Cross River State.
The Commissioner further elaborated on some of the state’s flagship agricultural initiatives, citing the development of 12,000 hectares for six new cocoa estates and the procurement of 3.5 million sprouted oil palm nuts to assist smallholder farmers. He also pointed out the establishment of 2,000 hectares dedicated to arable crop production in Odukpani Local Government Area and the expansion of irrigation infrastructure across the state, which marks significant strides towards year-round agricultural productivity.
“The leadership of Governor Otu is committed to transforming lives through these progressive agricultural projects,” said Ebokpo. “We stand united in our mission to combat hunger, improve livelihoods, and eradicate poverty through these comprehensive measures.”
In conclusion, the Commissioner called on all stakeholders—including agricultural clusters, local government authorities, and non-governmental organizations—to actively support these transformative initiatives. “Collaboration is key to transforming the agricultural landscape of Cross River State and beyond,” he remarked, stressing that collective efforts are crucial to realizing sustainable food security for all.
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