Local Food Systems of the Current and Emerging.

Amidst emerging global challenges, the call for regional and national economies to look inwards cannot be overemphasized. Recurrently, there is the compelling need to explore new options that ensure life on earth is preserved. This may include trade-offs at different levels especially as it relates to protecting environmental resources. It would also include engaging in research for development, formulating favourable policies and engaging individuals actively. The latter is the main focus of this piece. This article explores a collection of stakeholder responsibilities required to sustain local food systems. 

Did you know? 

You and I are direct or indirect actors in the production, aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food products in different forms. Whether as consumers or direct value-chain actors, every human plays a role in the achievement of food and nutrition security. And this is dependent on building, protecting and sustaining local food systems that are resilient to shocks. Moreover, unless we collectively decide to become breatharians – feeding on air rather than food – productive food systems would always be fundamental to human existence. 

What then can we do to produce more and better food (quantity and quality) amidst environmental, economic and social challenges without compromising the future of the next generation? How can we build sustainable food systems that have the ability to prepare for, adapt to and recover from different kinds of stress and shocks? How can Funke, a member of the Nigerian Parliament influence policies that protect local food systems in Nigeria? How can Chinedu the mechanic preserve his yams in an effort to protect food systems? How can Kwakwa, a herbalist in Northern Nigeria safely harvest his herbs without destroying his local food system?

Building and sustaining local food systems 

Let’s take a look at some stakeholder responsibilities that can collectively build and sustain local food systems. Some of these include;

Food Producers: These are the first and most important parts of our food systems. What is a food system without food producers? Food producers are the drivers and initial protectors of our food systems. Therefore, considering that building sustainable food systems is dependent on the optimum use of resources, willingness to adopt improved technologies and other innovations is sure to accelerate the process. These innovations may be in the form of improved seed varieties, digitalization of on-farm processes, mechanization, use of balanced fertilizer blends and other areas of precision agriculture.

The Government: There is a need to increase investment in regional and national research for development to drive country-specific innovations. This should be logical and solution-driven such that gaps are identified and actionable solutions provided. Favourable and consistent policies especially around land use, gender barriers, and a stable macro-economic environment would also enable partnerships and private sector-led investments.

Consumers: Behavioural changes are pivotal to building sustainable food systems. The consumer is the “king” and a major driver of every production and distribution process. The choices made by consumers with respect to the way, type and quantity of food consumed are important to our food systems. For example, making a decision to consume more indigenous or local varieties of food as against foreign/imported varieties and processed foods can serve as a driver for producing more local varieties. These local foods are beneficial to local food systems. Local foods are full of flavour and nutrients; they benefit the environment, promote safer supply, and support local economies.  Furthermore, consumers can protect local food systems by adjusting their diets and reducing food wastages which stress environmental resources. Consumer education is also crucial; people need to understand how their actions and inactions affect the future of food production for this generation and the next.

Investors: Investment strategies that support local food systems integration with environmental resources should be favoured over those that do not. Increasing investments by financing innovations, research and development, providing incentives to farmers for adopting new technologies etc. will contribute immensely to sustaining local food systems. For example, agricultural value-chain financing is a strategy private investors can leverage on. It is a sustainable approach to funding the production and distribution of foods. It creates value for money whilst promoting effectiveness and efficiency. 

It is important to add that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating change. A collection of productive actions from every individual is the pathway to building beneficial food systems in current and emerging times of the future. Are there other actions you consider relevant to building sustainable food systems, please leave a comment below and let’s get talking.

The Author

Ogbole Esther

''As an agriculture enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''. 

Agriculture in the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) 2021 Macroeconomic-Outlook for Nigeria.

 The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in February 2021 launched its 2021 Macroeconomic Outlook for Nigeria. In the report, the group revealed that only five (5) sectors experienced positive growth in 2020. These sectors include finance and insurance, information and communication, water supply, sewage and waste, human health, social services, and agriculture, which grew by 1.7%. Let’s now take a look at the recommendations of this report and the implications for the country’s agricultural sector in 2021.

The Existing Challenges

It’s no news that the growth of the Nigerian economy in 2020 was stalled by several factors including implementation of lockdowns that led to the disruption of supply chains, fall in crude oil price, and rising cases of insecurity in the country. Consequently, 16 out of 19 economic sectors contracted, leading to an overall contraction of the country’s GDP by 1.92% in the year under review.¹

While it may be expected that the lifting of lockdown measures, discovery of COVID-19 vaccines, and the recovery in the price of crude oil since Q4 2020 would translate to a much anticipated economic growth, this may not be so. The NESG reports that “several indicators point to the fact that many of the problems stalling the growth of the Nigerian economy existed pre COVID-19”². These problems include a steady decline in foreign investment inflow, a decline in external reserves, increasing inflation rates as well as a decline in the balance of trade due to increased importation. Furthermore, an unfriendly investment business environment remains a major challenge, as investor feedback captured by the NESG report centered on challenges such as corruption, bureaucracy in obtaining government approvals, policy inconsistencies, smuggling, poor infrastructural development, and insecurity.

The Way Forward

Having outlined the existing challenges, the report projected a three-case scenario for the Nigerian economy going forward, that is, the best, business-as-usual, and worst case scenarios. These scenarios are hinged on the government's approach towards four priority areas, viz-a-viz;

i. Macroeconomic stability

ii. Policy and regulatory consistency

iii. Sectoral reform and 

iv. Human capital development

Deductions from this report validate the assumption that if existing gaps in economic stability are to be bridged in 2021, addressing these four priority areas that cut across different sectors of the economy remain the nation’s best strategic option. Furthermore, in addressing the need for sectoral reforms, the report identified that between 2015 and 2019, crop production made the second-highest contribution to 92.2% of the country’s GDP. The sector contributed 37.2% to the country’s GDP only after telecommunications and information services which contributed 37.7%, while crude petroleum and natural gas in third place contributed 17.3%. This affirms the potentials of the country’s agricultural sector and the role it plays in ensuring economic stability.

Therefore, in focusing on the agricultural sector, we would expect to see more of the following;

1. Consistent and robust policies;

2. Elimination of regulatory and administrative bottlenecks especially in relation to the exportation of agro commodities produced in Nigeria;

3. Enabling a business environment that encourages more private sector-led investments (improved security, infrastructural development, better foreign exchange policies, etc)

4. “Thinking and doing technology”

5. Massive investment and total overhaul of the educational sector. This will produce sound and innovative graduates who will proffer creative solutions tailored to our challenges;

6. Efficient delivery by government MDAs and so much more.

In order for Nigeria to live up to its position as the “giant of Africa,” it is imperative to note that its efforts towards driving economic stability should remain at the center of every proposition. Foreign investors and domestic private businesses will not provide the needed support when the country’s business environment is unfavorable. Succinctly, as a matter of urgency, the government would need to put in more effort at all levels including Federal, State, and Local government to create the change we all desire.

Reference

1. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (2021): Nigeria Macroeconomic and Banking Sector Themes for 2021

2. The Nigeria Economic Group (2021): NESG Macroeconomic-Outlook 2021. Retrieved from https://www.nesgroup.org/research  

 

The Author

Ogbole Esther

 

''As an agriculture enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''. 

Insecurity Threatens the Nigerian Food System

Lately, the people who grow our food are being killed and forced to flee their homes by insurgents in parts of the country. With daily headlines as below:

“Two Die as Farmers, Herdsmen Clash in Oyo Community” – Sahara Reporters, 16/01/2021¹

“Seven Farmers Killed, Others Injured by Bandits Attack in Niger” - Nigerian Tribune, 02/01/2021²

 “Bauchi Lawmaker Decries Attack on Farmers by Killer Herders” – The Guardian, 31/12/2020³

“Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Three Farmers in Oyo” – Sahara Reporters, 27/12/2020⁴

“43 Farmers Killed by Insurgents Buried Amid Tears, Wailing” – The Guardian, 29/11/2020⁵

“Boko Haram Jihadists Kill Eight Farmers in Nigeria’s Borno State” - The Defense Post, 26/10/2020⁶

“Fulani Herdsmen Kill A farmer in Southern Kaduna, Hide Body in Cave” – Sahara Reporters, 08/07/2020⁷

A Canadian songwriter, Leonard Cohen once said that “there’s a crack in everything and that’s how the light gets in”. This statement is true for many situations in life and earnestly brings hope to mind even in the worst of times.

However, juxtaposing this line of thought with the condition of Nigeria’s agricultural sector is farfetched. Agriculture in the country is “embellished” with cracks. Albeit fathoming the glorious emergence of light as philosophized by Cohen is exasperating and honestly inconceivable. Daily reports of farmers being kidnapped and/or killed across parts of the country reflect a clear pattern of destruction of lives and properties. Even though contextualizing this as an effort towards crippling the country’s food system seems illogical, and makes little to no sense despite unambiguous pointers to this effect.

Crop farmers in Nigeria. Image source: Guardian Nigeria

These happenings bring to mind pungent questions about who benefits from crippling food production in Nigeria. The closure of Nigeria’s land borders from 2019 – 2020 directs a pointer at food importers. Nevertheless, these food importers have existed since the 90’s when Nigeria lost its stance on food sovereignty. Why then would there be a sudden need to attack farmers and slow down food production in the country? Next on this illusionary list of “suspects” are arms dealers. Well, considering the incessant proliferation of arms across the country, it’s tempting to conclude that corrupt politicians or top double-dealing security principals are profiteering from budgetary allocations committed to combating insecurity.

There is also the plausible theory of man’s inhumane nature meted out by brainwashed insurgents in the Nigerian context. Otherwise, could it be a mere coincidence that innocent farmers are maimed, kidnapped, raped, and killed on daily basis across parts of the country? That’s a rather befuddling coincidence if I must say. Unverified reports in some quarters claim that the situation has deteriorated to the extent that insurgents extort farmers to enable them access to their farmlands. A situation could not be more embarrassing.

Sadly, what began as a clash between farmers and herders in the middle-belt has transcended to unprovoked and senseless attacks on farmers across the country. Consequently, the causality theory throws President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration off its quest for achieving food security which they maintain remains at the fore of the administration’s agenda. Furthermore, it is a no-brainer that the achievement of food security in Nigeria is hugely dependent on the safety of rural farmers who make up over 70% of the food production workforce. Therefore, rising cases of insecurity will continue to fuel food inflation which currently stands at 19.56%.⁸

Suffice to say, Nigeria’s food production system is under threat because the life of an average farmer is unsafe. Our food heroes are dying and something needs to be done about it.

Reference

1. Sahara Reporters (2021):  Newspaper publication on 16^th January 2021. http://saharareporters.com/2021/01/16/two-die-farmers-herdsmen-clash-oyo-community
2. The Nigerian Tribune (2021): Newspaper publication on 2^nd January 2021. https://tribuneonlineng.com/seven-farmers-killed-others-injured-by-bandits-attack-in-niger/” - Nigerian Tribune, 02/01/2021
3. The Guardian (2020): Newspaper publication on 31^st December 2020. https://guardian.ng/news/bauchi-lawmaker-decries-attack-on-farmers-by-killer-herders/
4. Sahara Reporters (2020): Newspaper publication on 27^th December 2020. http://saharareporters.com/2020/12/27/suspected-fulani-herdsmen-kill-three-farmers-oyo
5. The Guardian (2020): Newspaper publication on 29^th December 2020. https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/43-farmers-kild-by-insurgents-buried-amid-tears-wailing/
6. The Defense Post (2020): Newspaper publication on 26^th October 2020. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/10/26/boko-haram-kill-eight-nigeria/
7. Sahara Reporters (2020): Newspaper publication on 8^th July 2020. http://saharareporters.com/2020/07/08/fulani-herdsmen-kill-farmer-southern-kaduna-hide-body-cave
8. Trading Economics (2021): Nigeria Food Inflation – 1996 – 2020 Data. https://tradingeconomics.com/nigeria/food-inflation

       The Author

Ogbole Esther

 ''As an agriculture enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''.

      

The Pangs of Food Inflation in Nigeria

The National Bureau of Statistics has released Nigeria’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report for October 2020. In this report¹ dated 16^th November 2020, the country’s current food inflation rate stands at 17.38%, up by 0.72% points and 4.32% higher month-on-month as compared with 16.66% in September. The report reveals that increase in prices of bread, cereals, potatoes, some tubers, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and beverages led to the rise in food index for the month under review. 

In October 2015, Nigeria’s food index was 10.1%², implying a steady increment by about 7.28% points and marginally by approximately 72% within a five year period (2015 till date). Conversely, in October 2019, the index further increased to 14.09%,³ implying that between October 2019 and October 2020, Nigeria’s food index rose by 3.29% points and 23.35% marginally.

Before the release of the current CPI report, the prevalent hike in prices of food items which I consider a realistic expression of figures published by statisticians, has gained widespread attention across the country. This hike is influenced by factors such as activities of bandits in the North-West, general insecurity and reported cases of flood across the country, hoarders reserving food in speculation of the usual heightened demand during Christmas festivities, disruptions in the food supply chain, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst inexhaustible challenges, many farmers produced less this season, driving food inflation higher before the 2021 harvest season⁴.

Already, experts report a looming food crisis in the country exit 2020 . The UN warns of “famines of biblical proportions” in the coming year, adding that parts of Burkina Faso, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen are approaching levels of critical hunger⁵. This implies as always that issues affecting food production and supply chain need to be urgently addressed.

In Nigeria today, the prices of many food items have either doubled or more than doubled in price. For example; 

FOOD ITEM	PRICE IN 2020 Q1 (NGN)	PRICE IN 2020 Q4 (NGN)	% ↑↓
50Kg Bag of foreign rice	26,000	34,000	30.7%
1 Bag of sweet potatoes	3,500	10,750	207%
1 Bag of onions	5,000	55,000	1000%
1 Sachet of tomatoes	50	150	200%
1 mudu of dry paper	800	1000	25%
1 mudu of beans	325	625	92%

Source: Author’s personal experience/one-on-one interactions with traders in some markets in parts of Northern Nigeria

In October, the #endsars protest which began as a peaceful demonstration by Nigerian youths calling for an end to police brutality and bad governance drifted into the vandalisation of government and private assets by hoodlums as well as the looting of COVID19 palliatives by hungry Nigerians. While the looting of palliatives was met with mixed reactions, I consider it a true representation of the Nigerian State, viz-a-viz failed structures and systems, weak institutions, deprived citizens, high rate of hunger and poverty and so much more. I also consider it a true reflection of the prevailing food inflation rate amidst so much hardship in the country. Sadly, the gap in income level of many Nigerians and prices of food in the market continues to widen, causing more citizens to struggle for survival.

Therefore, in view of the fact that these prices have been predicted to rise steadily, it has become critical to declare a state of emergency to reposition the Nigerian agricultural sector. In my article on food inflation published in June 2020⁶, one major solution proffered was the need to look inwards. Strengthening local capacity across various agricultural value chains is key! 

The solution is not in borrowing money from Brazil⁷ to fund food production, at least not yet. Until Nigeria’s agricultural sector is repositioned to address real-time issues, the government might just be borrowing to fill the pockets of some greedy, hungry and short-sighted Nigerians. In addition, there is the need to enhance the capacity of farmers in line with global best practices for sustainable agricultural intensification as well as strengthen the capacity of institutions saddled with promoting agriculture. This will include charging government agencies to deliver on their mandates amongst numerous sustainable approaches.

In conclusion, it is imperative to add that looking inwards also includes growing a fraction of what we eat as individuals and family units. Let’s grow our pepper, herbs, vegetables, maize, beans, groundnut and even tubers depending on available land space, bearing in mind that some of these food items can be planted in containers. By doing this, we would be adopting a holistic approach towards promoting sustainable food systems that will ensure food is available and affordable for all Nigerians.

References

1. National Bureau of Statistics (2020): Consumer Price Index October 2020. It can be accessed via https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary

2. National Bureau of Statistics (2015): Consumer Price Index October 2015. It can be accessed via https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary

3. National Bureau of Statistics (2019): Consumer Price Index October 2019. It can be accessed via https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary

4. The Green Investment Club (2020): There’s honestly no way to say this. Customer weekly newsletter delivered on 12/11/2020

5. The Hill (2020): UN warns of “famines of biblical proportions” within the next year. Online newspaper publication by Joseph Guzman on 16/11/2020. It can be accessed via https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/poverty/526146-un-warns-of-famines-of-biblical-proportions-within-the-next

6. Grow4Peace (2020): Food Inflation: The Impact of COVID-19 on Food Demand and Supply in Nigeria. An article published by Ogbole Esther on 08/06/2020. It can be accessed via https://www.grow4peace.co.uk/2020/06/food-inflation-impact-of-covid-19-on.html

7. Premium Times (2020): What you need to know about Nigeria’s $1.2bn loan from Brazil. Online newspaper publication by Ntiedo Ekott. It cam be accessed via https://www.premiumtimesng.com/agriculture/agric-news/425277-what-you-need-to-know-about-nigerias-1-2bn-loan-from-brazil.html#:~:text=The%20Nigerian%20government%20has%20announced,at%20the%20House%20of%20Representatives.

The Author

Ogbole Esther

 

''As an agricultural enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies  of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''.

COVID-19 Pandemic - impact on Food Security in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ensuring access to safe and nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic is pivotal to saving lives among the most vulnerable as food prices increase drastically in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. As the regulations are tightened to prevent further spread of the virus, food supply chains are strained due to bottle-necks in transporting food products from point A to B. Before now, rural communities have had to deal with challenges facing the agricultural sector such as the limited  market for their produce, which now exposes vulnerable communities to hunger and starvation during this time. The Covid-19 pandemic not only affects significant elements of both food supply and demand but also exposes the lapses in our food systems with insight on areas we should look to strengthen in the future.

As countries are on either partial or full lockdown, people who depend on wages have lost their income-earning opportunities which have greatly impacted purchase/consumption and access to safe nutritious food. There have also been few changes in consumer behaviour, such as fewer visits to site markets (slaughterhouses), hoarding and dietary changes due to fewer food choices brought about by unavailability and increased cost of food. Unless we keep global food supply chains alive, food crises are likely to affect the most vulnerable during the global pandemic. The lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic will inform our food policies for years to come.

Border closures, lockdown regulations and market and supply chain disruptions could restrict people’s access to safe, sufficient, nutritious food especially in communities hit hard by the coronavirus or previously at risk of food insecurity. Prices of food have seen an unprecedented rise in the past few weeks in different parts of Africa and may continue to rise as food vendors report that restrictions on travel and high transportation costs make it harder and more expensive to move food products to places where they are needed. Food imports are one of the ways countries in the region supplement local production to meet the growing demand for food and food products, with international food export on halt, countries who depend largely on importation are facing great challenges in accessing enough food especially staples such as rice.

Local food production has been suspended by companies in lieu of government regulations to protect staff and the public, locally sourced staples have seen a great price jump threatening food and nutrition security in vulnerable communities. Food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa before now have struggled to receive the attention it deserves from government and policymakers which has increased the vulnerability of our food systems and our ability to manage our food supply amidst the global pandemic.

Recommendations

To avoid disruptions to the food supply chain and food production, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is urging all countries to:

• Keep international trade open and take measures that protect their food supply chain (from obtaining inputs such as seeds to assuring smallholder farmers have access to markets to sell their produce).
• Focus on the needs of the most vulnerable and scale-up social protection programmes including cash transfers.
• Keep their domestic food supply value chains alive and functioning.
• Taking all necessary precautions, seeds and planting materials must continue to flow to smallholders; animal feed to livestock breeders; and aquaculture inputs to fish farmers. Agricultural supply chains should be kept alive in-line with health safety concerns.
• Maintain agricultural activities.

Read more here

The Author.

Lilian Umeakunne

Lilian Umeakunne is a Food security and livelihoods specialist devoted to making a change in African Agriculture. 
Follow her on social media to share your thoughts and contribute your ideas to solving Africa's greatest problem - hunger and poverty.

Handles
LinkedIn: Lilian Umeakunne
Twitter: @Lily_Umeh
Facebook: Lilian Umeakunne.

Global lock-down threatens food and nutrition security

The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed brought about major economic, social and political changes across the globe and life as we know has greatly changed. Markets, offices, schools and religious houses have been closed; major streets are now deserted while busy cities have been locked down in different countries. Amidst the imposition of curfews and restrictions of movement by various countries, one of the major concerns is how the pandemic impacts the food system. This is considering the frequent calls on citizens to stock up for a long haul thus increasing demand for food as well as affected food businesses that have had to close in the wake of the pandemic. It is now obvious that we require more than just technology to survive.

A post on the Bloomberg Opinion Instagram handle aptly read, “the Corona Virus reminds us that we’re in our essence… creatures that cannot bite into bytes, eat algorithms or disinfect with bandwidth, as someone has to grow, harvest and deliver our food…” This emphasizes that the entire agricultural value chain is dependent on humans who must move from one place to another, thus, begging the question, how do we survive when availability due to inactivity becomes a problem?

An interaction with role-players in the agricultural sector across different countries revealed that current issues and fears in agriculture at this time include scarcity of agricultural commodities; inefficient supply chains; food-price volatility arising from the aforementioned as well as rising demands amidst a shortage of supplies; wastage/loss of agricultural commodities; shortage of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and other agro-chemicals, considering individuals have since closed down businesses and are remaining at home; rejected exports due to border closure; slow imports for countries that depend mainly on imported food items; halted extension services; poor coordination of agricultural activities; fears of delayed/lost 2020 farming season; paused research efforts and so much more.

In Nigeria, as soon as the government announced its intention to lock down the three main States affected by the pandemic viz-a-viz Lagos – the commercial hub of the country, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – the country’s administrative capital and Ogun State due to its proximity to Lagos State to stem the spread of the virus, food prices doubled as many traders took advantage of the opportunity to exploit desperate consumers. Rural farmers on the other hand have gone ahead with activities in preparation for the 2020 farming season with an uninformed notion that the Corona Virus is an infection that affects only the rich. In addition, certain projects like the PIATA funded Fertilizer Systems Strengthening Project that seeks to promote the use of crop/site-specific fertilizers across four commodity value chains in the country has since been brought to an abrupt halt.

In a joint press briefing by the Presidential Task Force (PTF), the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), a journalist posed a question at the Federal Government’s representative as to what its plan was to deal with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s predictions on looming food crises; while various responses were given, there was none that addressed this particular question. The FG does have plans beyond opening up grain reserves to meet the current food demands of the country’s population.

Reports from other parts of Africa show that the virus has not been spread to rural areas where a bulk of the continents farming population reside and operate from. In Ethiopia, similar to the case of Nigerian farmers, plans for the forthcoming farming season is ongoing as the government makes frantic efforts to get agricultural inputs across to farmers at subsidized rates, while in Zimbabwe reports of fatality arising from the virus has forced farmers to shun farming activities. In Kenya, there were reports of destroyed fresh roses as the pandemic had crashed the commodity’s demand in Europe although the government has made efforts to provide grains to its population amidst the lock-down.  It is reported that in Sierra Leone, on the other hand, farmers continue to encounter difficulties in accessing agricultural inputs.

While it is comprehensible that at the top of our minds is the urgent need to flatten the COVID-19 curve, also of great importance is the need to strengthen our food distribution systems. It is therefore imperative for stakeholders as a matter of urgency, to strategize on ways to ensure steady food production and supply within and after this period. This we must achieve bearing in mind the strong words of the Ghanaian President – Nana Akufo-Addo – that ““although we know how to recover our economies after the pandemic, what we do not know how to do is bring the dead back to life” thus emphasizing the need to stay at home and strategize on ways to co-exist even as we physically stay apart in the interim.

Thank you for reading. Please remember to avoid being emotionally isolated from family and friends. Let’s focus on strengthening bonds even with the physical distance to maintain sound mental health amid anxiety, fear, confusion and uncertainty.

The Author

''As an agricultural enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''.

CURBING FOOD WASTAGE FOR ZERO HUNGER

How can we achieve food security if one-third of the food produced globally is wasted?

The first part of this article (here) gave a brief overview of the global status of food waste and proffered smart individual waste reduction practices such as to avoid overfeeding; making a shopping list before heading to the supermarket; checking the refrigerator before shopping to avoid buying what you already have and so on. These simple yet effective practices are important as it is often said that the best means to curb waste would be to not produce it at all.

Notwithstanding, other approaches can be adopted to manage food waste. These include: reuse or recycle (or up-cycle as it is sometimes called) the waste produced.

Reuse: This involves the use of food in its original form for other purposes such as redistribution to regions of inadequacy; as animal feed and as a good source of compost for home gardening. Basically, reusing food waste involves re-purposing without technological transformation to serve as raw material for other industries as is the case with recycling.

Image source: Google

Recycle: Despite being one of the most advocated approaches in food waste management, it has been stated previously that recycling is less sustainable in comparison with reuse of food waste, seeing as recycling can also produce waste and cause pollution in the treatment process. In spite of this line of thought, recycling of food waste is a fast-rising, profitable aspect of the agricultural value chain and is known to be an effective means of food waste management. This involves the transformation of avoidable (bread, rice, vegetables) and unavoidable (yam peels, eggshells, snail shells, orange peels) food waste into reusable forms like animal feed, organic fertilizers high in Calcium such as fertilizers produced from snail and eggshells, generation of sustainable and renewable energy as is in the case of biogas plant and so much more.

The environmental, social and economic impacts of food waste as stated in the last article cannot be overemphasized, thus, in aligning with the thoughts of Jasmine Crowe in a TedTalk on “what we’re getting wrong in the fight to end hunger” that we need to waste less to feed more and reduce the number of persons who are food insecure across the globe. It is imperative for governments and private individuals to intensify efforts especially in developing regions of the world like the sub-Saharan Africa where food is not only wasted as a result of poor infrastructural development but as a result of little-to-no awareness on waste management as well.

Farmers within this region are most affected as they painstakingly produce surplus with the hope of making huge profits but are often left disappointed as large quantities of these produces are left to waste owing to the inability to store, process or access existing markets outside their communities. Therefore, a good place to start would be to intensify sensitization of rural farmers who bear the most grunt of food waste. In the absence of immediate government infrastructural intervention programmes, they can be taught local recycling methods that would not only benefit the environment but also serve as another source of income thus, improving their livelihoods and contributing to the achievement of food and nutrition security.

Need I say that the gateway to achieving food security might just be to adopt effective means of redistributing food currently produced across the globe from regions of surplus to regions of the deficit, rather than focus on intensifying food production; but we just might never know if we fail to collectively combat food waste.

Author:

Ogbole Esther.

''As an agricultural enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''.

WHY AFRICA NEEDS TO EMBRACE DIGITAL MARKETING FOR AGRIBUSINESS

The world is experiencing major dynamics with rapid urbanization and rising human population in the midst of stressed environmental and natural resources, thus, emphasizing the need to evaluate our approach towards achieving food and nutrition security. Some of these approaches include:

• ·   Strengthening systems for research and innovations and dissemination of findings on improved and sustainable agricultural practices;
• ·      Protection of environmental and natural resources;
• ·      Adopting efficient methods for distributing and redistributing food;
• · Creating opportunities across the agricultural value-chain in the form of agribusiness ventures that never existed or were taken for granted before now;
• ·    Taking advantage of the digital space (digital marketing) and so much more.

Narrowing the lens to digital marketing, the internet has over time become an effective and efficient marketing tool that gives marketers the opportunity to generate leads and sales by reaching out to millions of customers from across different parts of the globe per time. Digital marketing is an efficient approach to distributing and re-distributing agricultural produce especially amongst smart modern-day farmers and small-holder farmers with the help of computer literate intermediaries.

Although not fully harnessed in Nigeria and parts of sub-Saharan Africa, an overview of agribusiness activities on the internet reveals a clear deviation from what was in the recent past (say 3 to 4 years ago). This is because quite a number of agribusiness companies now have an online presence, providing different forms of agricultural services to interested persons, and I must confess that this is quite encouraging. Whether these companies were established by Nigerian youths who were arm-twisted to start up something for themselves considering the looming unemployment rate in the country or young adults who are passionate and committed to the growth of agriculture, agribusiness activities on social media sure create a feel like there is a shift in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. More like a movement that seeks to ensure relevance for a sector that has been neglected for too long.

Services advertised and marketed by these companies range from production and supply of locally produced agricultural commodities such as palm oil, yams, vegetables, poultry and dairy products, fruits (in dried, powdered and fresh forms); linking farmers with investors; supply of agricultural equipment, recycling/upcycling of agricultural wastes; import and export of a wide range of agricultural commodities, consultancy services; extension services (depending on the demographics of farmers involved), packaging, branding and so much more.

We have come to see that the benefits from taking advantage of the digital space are endless as it gives fast-rising service providers the platform to reach out to millions of people around the globe through quality and fascinating pictures, videos and short captions. It also gives people the opportunity to support farmers in rural areas through companies who stand in the gap for them on the digital space; it gives modern-day (smart) farmers and consumers the opportunity to buy and sell agricultural produces without stepping into traditional markets (interesting times are here I must confess) etc. In a nutshell, the digital space provides agribusinesses with the opportunity to offer business to business, business to government and business to consumer services all in one click.

Digital marketing is the way to go seeing as it ensures relevance in the midst of shifting industry trends (agriculture really cannot be left behind though); by taking advantage of and creating useful marketable contents on social media channels, establishing business websites as well as taking advantage of paid advertising with the goal of making profit and achieving zero hunger on a wider scale through well-thought-out, meaningful posts that meet the needs of different persons in different parts of the world.

Author:

Ogbole Esther 

''My strategy is to bring to the fore various challenges faced by the Nigeria agricultural sector vis-a-vis efforts made the Federal Government so far and how these similar scenarios were managed in other countries''.