NiWARD Proffers Solutions To Nigeria’s Food Insecurity

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

The expert disclosed this during the 12th edition of the Nigerian Women in Agricultural Research for Development (NiWARD), which took place at the International Agricultural Research and Training (IAR$T) Ibadan, recently.

During her keynote paper presentation, Prof. Taiwo Kehinde also offered solution for sustainable agriculture, which include preserving the environment, expansion of natural resources and creating a better life for animals and humans.

Others, according to her, include ensuring long term sustainability of food sources, reducing reliance on standard farming practices and provision of alternative food options.

While speaking at the conference with the theme: “Food Security in Nigeria: Innovations and Sustainable Agriculture,” the Executive Director of IAR$T, Prof. Veronica Obatolu, who was represented by Prof. Popoola, stated that the theme of the conference was in tandem with IAR$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 curated.

“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 of the Local Organising Committee, NiWARD 2024, Prof.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 provided 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 society at large.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Kenton Dashiel the 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 of ensuring food security through collaborative means of educating farmers.

“The theme of the 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,” he said.

“Targeted 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. Dashiel said.

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