A crash course in changing the world.
Food Security In Nigeria
The bigest threat to food security in Nigeria is Urbanization and Rural-Urban migration, though Agriculturists are swift to proclaim "land tenure system". In terms of Urbanization, Most villages which had been centres of Agricultural activities are being abandoned by young people who are inclined to searching for other jobs. The pace is so severe in some cases that I could state an example in one abandoned village called "Iyanomo" where only the sight of collapse buildings could tell the tale of a once vibrant agricultural Centre.
Though food shortage is not a major problem for steps were taken in the past as evident in http://www.fao.org/docrep/X8200E/x8200e05.htm, the ever increasing market cost should be of great concern.
The fast pace of encroachment of cities into the rural areas is rather alarming. You see the space availlable for Agricultural activities depleting everyday and you are left to wonder where the food will come from in the future.
But one area wher success a success story can be told is in Cassava cultivation. Government was able to engage in vigorous campaign in Cassava cultivation. Loans were given, special workshops were opened and the yield was so positive that the system gave birth to increased exportation. The positive role played by IITA, Ibadan: http://www.eco-web.com/reg/index.htm; cannot be ignored.
Nigeria has the potential to contribute (to a large extent) to reducing food shortage in Africa (and produce affordable food) by virtue of its vast labour potential and diverse Geography. But only if the retarding problems are checked.
© 2024 Created by Alchemy. Powered by
You need to be a member of Urgent Evoke to add comments!
Join Urgent Evoke