Food Security: Stakeholders Call on Government to Evolve Policies to Dismantle Food Productivity Barriers

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders have urged the federal government to evolve policies that address the core barriers to food productivity, and that ensure environmental sustainability, public health, and economic resilience for smallholder farmers.

The advice was given in Abuja at the National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology with the theme: Advancing Agroecology Principles and Practice for Food Sovereignty in Nigeria

The stakeholders in a communique after the meeting noted that agricultural systems across the world are under increasing pressure to meet growing food demands, stating that: “This pressure is high in Nigeria due to purportedly high population indices, coupled with climate change impacts, declining soil fertility, inadequate support for farmers and insecurity.”

They advised that: “As we grapple with this challenges, we must ensure that whatever actions we take are such that address the core barriers to food productivity, and that ensure environmental sustain-ability, public health, and economic resilience for smallholder farmers.”

They stated that: “Agroecology presents viable solutions to these interconnected challenges by emphasizing ecological balance, biodiversity, farmer empowerment, and food sovereignty. The shift toward agroecology and organic agriculture is gaining momentum in Nigeria with the active support of civil society, public institutions, and farmer-led initiatives. However, there is need for cohesiveness of efforts to ensure not only the adoption of agroecological practices but also an enabling policy environment as well as relevant research.”

The national conference brought together key actors in the agroecology and organic agriculture space including farmers, researchers, civil society organisations, youth and women’s groups, policy advocates and the media for a full day of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning. The conference also featured a reportage on the progress of Agroecology and Organic Agriculture in Nigeria.

Specifically the conference showcased and discussed the current state of agroecology and organic agriculture in Nigeria; fostered collaboration among farmers, civil society organizations (CSOs), government ministries, academia, and the media; identified policy gaps and opportunities to scale agroecological and organic practices and exposed false solutions to the food and climate challenges.

The stakeholders observed during dialogue that agroecological practices can increase food sovereignty- which, beyond food security protects and promotes the right of choice and control by local communities and people of their seeds and foods.

“Agroecology assures healthy and culturally appropriate nutrition, increased crop diversity, improved soil health by enhancing and improving soil microbial populations, climate change mitigation through reduced emissions from industrial processes, climate change resilience through biological diversity and empowerment of local communities.

“Success stories abound on how agroecology can transform food systems e.g the introduction ofdrought-resistant orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in Pelungu, Ghana, improved food security and nutrition in a dryland farming area. In Kenya, the ParticipatoryEcological LandUse Management (PELUM) Network promoted African leafy vegetables, reviving traditional agricultural practices and organic farming techniques. This led to improved livelihoods, increased crop production, and stronger community-based enterprise. In Malawi, the ”NeverEndingFood”initiative uses permaculture-based agroecology to combat food insecurity. By diversifying food production and improving nutrition, it has created year-round food sources for communities, transforming degraded land into productive farms.

“In Nigeria, the Be the Help Foundation Agroeforestry farm effectively demonstrates how agroecology through agroforestry can assure economic empowerment for farmers as well as environmental sustain-ability.

“Barriers to agroecology and by extension, food sovereignty include limited knowledge, poor access to land (including land grabs) and credit for farmers, poor extension service, and dependence on toxic/synthetic agrochemicals.

“Another major barrier to food sovereignty in Nigeria is the spread of GMOs, which creates dependency on multinational corporations for seeds and food production. GMOs also lead to soil degradation through the use of toxic herbicides.

“The goal shouldn’t be merely to achieve food security but food sovereignty where healthy food is guanranteed, and the local people are in control of their seed and food systems. Food sovereignty must take precedence over mere food security.

“Food security cannot be achieved without local control over food systems, seeds and agricultural processes (food sovereignty). But this can only be achieved by creating policies that protect farmers’ rights and agricultural autonomy.”

They declared commitment to champion
the adoption of agroecological practices across Nigeria’s farming communities; Prioritize food sovereignty over food security in policy discussions and implementation; Advocate for research and development in agroecological methods suited for the Nigerian context, and strengthen both academic and farmer-led research initiatives; Ensure farmers’ rights to seeds, land, water and other resources as well as a preservation of their traditional seed varieties; Address the critical knowledge gap regarding agroecology’s importance for our national development; Promote local food systems that preserve indigenous knowledge and cultural food practices.

They also assured to push for government investment in agroecological research and extension services; Create improved communication channels and knowledge-sharing practices among farmers, communities, researchers, and policymakers to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of agroecological methods; Follow up with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on the plan to mainstream agroecology into national policies following the inclusion in Nigeria’s NDC 3.0.
End

Guterres: End of Fossil Fuel Has Come

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has said the end of fossil fuel has come, stating that the world has started embracing clean energy.

Guterres in a televised broadcast: “A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the Clean Energy Age,”said: “The headlines are dominated by a world in trouble. By conflict and climate chaos.
By rising human suffering. By growing geo-political divides. But amidst the turmoil, another story is being written.

“And its implications will be profound.
Throughout history, energy has shaped the destiny of humankind – from mastering
fire, to harnessing steam, to splitting the atom. Now, we are on the cusp of a new era.
Fossil fuels are running out of road. The sun is rising on a clean energy age.

“Just follow the money $2 trillion went into clean energy last year – that’s $800 billion more than fossil fuels, and up almost 70% in ten years.

“And new data released today from the International Renewable Energy Agency
shows that solar – not so long ago four times the cost of fossil fuels – is now 41%
cheaper. Offshore wind – 53%. And over 90% of new renewables worldwide produced electricity for less than the
cheapest new fossil fuel alternative.

“This is not just a shift in power. It is a shift in possibility. Yes, in repairing our relationship with the climate. Already, the carbon emissions saved by solar and wind globally are almost equivalent to what the whole European Union produces in a year.
But this transformation is fundamentally about energy security and people’s
security.

“It’s about smart economics. Decent jobs, public health, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. And delivering clean and affordable energy to everyone, everywhere.

“Today, we are releasing a special report with the support of UN agencies and
partners — the International Energy Agency, the IMF, IRENA, the OECD and the
World Bank. The report shows how far we have come in the decade since the Paris Agreement sparked a clean energy revolution. And it highlights the vast benefits – and actions needed – to accelerate a just transition globally. Renewables already nearly match fossil fuels in global installed power capacity. And that’s just the beginning.

“Last year, almost all the new power capacity built came from renewables.
Every continent on Earth added more renewables capacity than fossil fuels.
And renewables generated almost a third of global electricity. The clean energy future is no longer a promise. It’s a fact. No government. No industry. No special interest can stop it.”

Gutteres said: “Of course, the fossil fuel lobby will try – and we know the lengths to which they will go. But I have never been more confident that they will fail – because we have passed the point of no return.”

He explained that there are three powerful reasons; which are market economics as number one, stating that: “For decades, emissions and economic growth rose together,” but: “No more in many advanced economies, emissions have peaked, but growth continues.

“In 2023 alone, clean energy sectors drove 10% of global GDP growth. In India, 5%. The United States, 6%. China – a leader in the energy transition – 20%. And in the European Union, nearly 33%. And clean energy sector jobs now outnumber fossil fuel jobs – employing almost 35 million people worldwide. Even Texas – the heart of the American fossil fuel industry – now leads the US in renewables.”

He noted that “it makes economic sense.
And yet fossil fuels still enjoy a 9 to 1 advantage in consumption subsidies
globally – a clear market distortion.
Add to that the unaccounted costs of climate damages on people and planet – and the distortion is even greater,” decrying that: “Countries that cling to fossil fuels are not protecting their economies – they are
sabotaging them; Driving up costs;
Undermining competitiveness; Locking-in stranded assets; And missing the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century.”

He said secondly, renewables are here to stay because they are the foundation of
energy security and sovereignty.

Guterres said: “Let’s be clear: The greatest threat to energy security today is fossil fuels. They leave economies and people at the mercy of price shocks, supply disruptions, and geopolitical turmoil.
Just look at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A war in Europe led to a global energy crisis.
Oil and gas prices soared. Electricity and food bills followed.

“In 2022 average households around the world saw energy costs jump 20%.
Modern and competitive economies need stable, affordable energy. Renewables
offer both. There are no price spikes for sunlight. No embargoes on wind. Renewables can put power – literally and figuratively – in the hands of people and
governments.

“And almost every nation has enough sun, wind, or water to become energy self-
sufficient. Renewables mean real energy security. Real energy sovereignty. And real freedom from fossil-fuel volatility.”

He said the third and final reason why there is no going back on renewables is because of easy access.

The UN Secretary General said: “You can’t build a coal plant in someone’s backyard.
But you can deliver solar panels to the most remote village on earth. Solar and wind can be deployed faster, cheaper and more flexibly than fossil fuels ever could.

“And while nuclear will be part of the global energy mix, it can never fill the access
gaps. All of this is a game-changer for the hundreds of millions of people still living
without electricity – most of them in Africa, a continent bursting with renewable
potential.”

He noted that by 2040, Africa could generate 10 times more electricity than it needs – entirely from renewables.

Guterres: End of Fossil Fuel Has Come

Zulum Condoles Ogun State over Passing of Awujale of Ijebuland

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has led a high powered delegation to condole with the government and people of Ogun State on the passing of Awujale of Ijebuland and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland,
Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

The monarch passed away at the age of 91 after reigning for 65 years.

Governor Zulum was received at the Ogun State Governor’s Office in Abeokuta by Governor Dapo Abiodun alongside the late monarch’s first son, Prince Adedire Adetona, and Prince Adejuwon Adetona.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Zulum described the late Oba as a person of proven integrity with unquestionable character.

“We are here to commiserate with the government and people of Ogun State, and in particular the family of the late paramount ruler, HRM Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON. The late Oba contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria and Ogun State”, Zulum stated.

The governor further noted that the relationship between the people of Borno and the Southwest is deeply rooted, with shared similarities in culture, religion and values which compelled him to personally pay his respects.

He prayed Almighty Allah to give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, appreciated governor Zulum for the visit, stating that he is the first governor from Northern Nigeria to visit and commiserate with the state, “His Excellency, Governor Babagana Zulum, is the first to call on the people of Ogun State over the passing of our paramount ruler. We deeply appreciate this gesture”, Abiodun stressed.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Prince Adedire Adetona, expressed appreciation to the government and people of Borno State for the visit, noting that it demonstrated true solidarity.

Governor Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the Acting APC National Chairman, Hon. Ali Dalori; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; Hon. Bukar Talba; Hon. Abudulkadir Rahis and the Special Assistant on Political Affairs.

Zulum Condoles Ogun State over Passing of Awujale of Ijebuland