Agric ministry, IFAD partner to promote food security

In a bid to tackle food insecurity, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has expressed his readiness to partner with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to strengthen food security in the country.

This was made known during a courtesy visit to his office by the Country Representative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development in Nigeria (IFAD) Mrs. Dede Ekoue. The minister revealed that since 1985, IFAD had been Nigeria’s trusted partner for reducing rural poverty, pointing out that President Bola Tinubu was committed to his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ to implement programmes and policies that would enhance food security, job creation and poverty eradication.

Mrs. Ekoue noted that her visit was to renew the commitment of IFAD to food security, pointing out that IFAD had developed a new cooperation strategy that would guide its investment and cooperation. She identified  many opportunities available to Nigeria to include; strengthening technology and mechanisation, strengthening women participation, integration of animal husbandry and strengthening the private sector contributions to food systems, among others.

He pointed out that to achieve these, the President had declared a state of emergency on food security. Sen. Kyari thanked IFAD for its support and opportunities presented to the country. He noted that Nigeria is faced with challenges, stressing that the door was open for contributions and assistance to ensure food availability for the populace. The minister also pointed out that, four out of the eight point agenda of Mr. President was devoted to food security, hence the ministry has a critical role to play to achieve the agenda.