The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) have joined forces to advocate for immediate proactive measures from the Federal Government to address pressing issues of food crises in the country.
Senior Research Fellow Katrina Kosec emphasized the urgency of the situation during the presentation of IFPRI’s 2023 Global Food Policy Report and the launch of CGIAR’s Research Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration (FCM) in Abuja.
Kosec highlighted the range of crises experienced worldwide in 2022, including the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, civil unrest, political instability, and climate change.
FARMERS VOICE NG learnt that, IFPRI has been providing vital evidence to support effective policies and programs aimed at bolstering the resilience of food, land, and water systems in countries affected by fragility, conflict, and migration.
Katrina stressed that improved international and national responses to food crises require accountable governance, effective institutions, appropriate policies, well-designed programs, and reliable funding to address both immediate needs and long-term resilience.
Kosec underlined the importance of effective governance at all levels to tackle early disaster warnings and implement anticipatory actions and responsive policies.
She emphasized the need for a robust social protection system that offers support to those facing challenges, enabling them to escape poverty.
Furthermore, Kosec emphasized the necessity of governments listening to the needs of their citizens, with a particular focus on amplifying the voices of women and other vulnerable groups. “Early warning systems and their integration with actionable plans were also identified as critical components of an effective response” She added.
While acknowledging the Nigerian government’s efforts to address these gaps, Kosec stressed that more action is needed, as poverty continues to persist.
Dr. Muhammad Abubakar, the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), echoed this sentiment and highlighted the government’s implementation of life-saving interventions such as social welfare, livelihood engagement stimulation, and environmental safety.
Abubakar, who was represented by Ibrahim Tanimu, Director Planning and Policy Coordinator, (FMARD) said, the government aims to encourage both national and international support to mitigate insurgency, rebuild infrastructure, revive businesses, and restore livelihoods.
Kate Ambler, another Senior Research Fellow at IFPRI, outlined the focus of the CGIAR Research Initiative on FCM, which centers on building climate resilience, promoting gender equity, and fostering social inclusion.
“The initiative will prioritize innovative social protection measures, food systems development, and climate adaptation programs in fragile settings and among migrant populations” stated Ambler.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that, with these calls to action, research bodies are urging the government to proactively address food crises through coordinated governance, evidence-based policies, and sustainable programming, while prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations and ensuring long-term resilience in the face of global challenges.
