NiWARD proffers solutions to Nigeria’s food insecurity

Professor Taiwo Kehinde from the Obafemi Awolowo University OAU Ile-Ife has identified rising population, climate change, food wastage, inequity and resources scarcity as the main problems of food insecurity in Nigeria.

The expert disclosed this during the 12th edition of Nigerian Women in Agricultural Research for Development (NiWARD) held at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan recently.

During her keynote paper presentation, Professor Taiwo Kehinde also offered solution for sustainable agriculture which includes preserving the environment, expanssion of natural resources and creation of a better life for animals and humans.

Others, according to her, include ensuring the long-term sustainability of food sources, reducing reliance on standard farming practices and provission of alternative food options. While speaking at the conference with the theme: “Food Security in Nigeria: Innovations and Sustainable Agriculrure the Executive Director of IAR$T”, Prof. Veronica Obatolu who was represented by  Mr Boye Popoola, stated that the theme of the conference was in tandem with IAR$T’s mission of fostering inclusive research and extension system and that it also aligns with NiWARD’s vision of empowering women to contribute meaningfully to agricultural transformation at local, national and global levels.

She, however, encouraged the participants to actively engage in discussions, workshops and networking opportunities that have been thoughtfully created.

“Let us inspire one another, share our experiences, and co-create solutions that will empower women to play even greater roles in shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria and beyond,” She added.

In her welcome address, the chairperson local organising committee, NiWARD 2024, Professor Lucia Ogunsumi, disclosed that the theme is a testament to their collective efforts to address critical issues and advance knowledge in their field.

She stated that the gathering provides a unique platform for researchers, professionals, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, share findings and forge collaborations that will shape the future of their discipline and the society at large.

In his goodwill message Dr. Kenton Dashielll, the Deputy Director of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture IITA, Ibadan who was represented by Dr. Amah Delphine a scientist and project coordinator at IITA commended the organisers of the conference and urged them not to relent in their efforts to ensure food security through collaborative means of educating the farmers.

“The theme of this conference ‘’Food Security in Nigeria: Innovations and Sustainable Agriculture’ is quite appropriate and the sessions depict relevant and well-articulated topics across diverse agricultural value chain innovations relevant for food system development in Nigeria.”

“Targetted research innovations and scaling mechanisms that reach the last mile are what we need for Africa to feed itself. Such platforms are indeed critical to give the prominence and attention the Agricultural sector deserves to have to pivot the transformation that is needed to tackle the evolving food security challenges.” Dr. Dashiell said.

The conference was well attended by NiWARD’s members from states across the country.

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