Senior Director of Breeding and Pre-Breeding at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Professor John Derera, has stated that Nigeria has the capacity to feed its population and strengthen its economy through food exports, provided that sincere efforts are made to address food waste across the country.
Derera said this in a paper he presented at the 9th edition of Sustainable Livelihoods and Development Network for Africa (SLIDEN AFRICA) hosted by Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. He was represented at the event by the Global Head, Breeding Consultative Group, IITA, Dr Hogson Mushoruwa.
Present at the event was the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, his deputy, Prof Muyiwa Popoola, Acting Registrar of the school, Olusegun Ojo, the librarian, Dr Mrs Bosede Ajiboye, bursar, Dr Ayodele Olusanwo, dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dr Moses Adebayo and other officers of the institution.
According to Derera, Nigeria spends about $52bn annually on food importation while 40 per cent of its food production is lost to waste in various forms. He valued the total food loss at $9bn.
He said, “Amidst these challenges lie opportunities for intervention through implementing a holistic approach that encompasses infrastructural development, sustainable agricultural practices and supportive policies.”
Derera stated that the challenges can be averted or checked by investing in application of best farm practices that target to optimise yield per hectare.
“This boosts yield and ensure that more food is available for both local consumption and export. These challenges can also be controlled by strengthening supply chain infrastructure, improve storage, transportation and distribution systems to reduce food wastage,” he said.
Among other solutions he proffered, Derera said government genuine support of local food processing industries will add value to raw agricultural products.
“This includes investing in food processing equipment, creating a favourable policy environment and providing training to local entrepreneurs.”
In his address, Dean of Agriculture faculty at ACU, Dr Adebayo stated that the problems of food wastes and hunger stem from loss crops as a result of poor seed planting, adding that the university has taken steps to address the issue.
He said, “In tackling this humongous agricultural problem stemming from poor-quality seed, Ajayi Crowther University management has demonstrated rare and admirable courage in establishing a full-fledged seed company known as ACU Seeds Limited 2022. This seed company has recorded remarkable success in developing, commercializing and disseminating quality seeds of pro-vitamin A biofortified maize varieties.”
Part of the highlight of the four-day event was farmer’s forum, where about 500 farmers pooled from across Nigeria share their challenges and implore the government to work with genuine and qualified agriculture experts to ensure food sufficiency in Nigeria.
