Yolamchi Ukaga, Aba
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector of the economy have advised governments at all levels to come up with policies that will make agriculture attractive to young people.
They observed that farming offered the young generations a chance to make a difference, by growing enough food to feed the world, noting that those who would take to farming had the opportunity of becoming the generation that will end hunger and alleviate malnutrition.
These recommendations were contained in a communique issued at the end of a one-day “Rural Community Stakeholder Food System Dialogue Meeting”, an International Food and Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted value chain programme (VCDP) and IFAD-assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Programme in Niger-Delta (LIFE-ND), held recently at Ihie Iyi, in Ugwunagbo local government area of Abia state.
They recommended conservation farm practices for sustainable farming, noting that it managed to increase both the crop yield and soil properties, as well improves nature biodiversity.
The stakeholders noted that government policies should make food more available, accessible and affordable, by increasing agricultural production and improve the economic and health status of the community.
They noted that farmers must be supported by the government financially, to realise their full potential by enabling them to increase their agricultural productivity, as well as promoting their access to markets and services.
This was as they urged research institutes to develop ways of enlightening the citizens on improved varieties of staple crops, while nutrition officers should continuously enlighten the citizens on healthy eating habits.
The stakeholders also urged government at all levels to provide markets, good access roads and basic storage facilities.
They advised farmers to stop bush burning and use more of organic fertilisers and natural pest control methods and reduce the use of inorganic fertilisers and pesticides.
The Rural Community Stakeholders Food System Dialogue Meeting, which was held recently, was aimed at improving nutrition security to reduce hunger and prevalence of malnutrition in line with the national food and nutrition policy in Nigeria.
The participants were enlightened and informed on the importance of heather Food System in building a sustainable food system to enhance the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGS).
Some special guests, at the opening session of the meeting included, Hon, Joy Nnanta, chairman, Ugwunagbo local government area, Mr. Bassey Umaro, project coordinating officer, federal ministry of agriculture and rural development was represented, Dr Uchenna Rowland Onyeizu, facilitator of the dialogue and Mrs. Nwofe Felicia, Abia state LIFE-ND coordinator.