NITP lecture proffers solutions to nation’s current food insecurity
An Agriculturist, Prof. Lateef Sanni, says that collaboration between government, NGOs, international partners and local communities is key to achieving food security and creating a sustainable future for Nigeria.
Sanni, also the Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, gave the assertion at the 2nd Femi Olomola Lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planner (NITP), Lagos State Chapter in conjunction with the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), Lagos State Branch in Lagos.
The lecture has the theme: ‘Climate Change and Food Security In Nigeria: Challenges and Solutions’.
According to him, food security entails that food must be available, affordable and accessible, saying that whatever that is not , affordable and accessible is not secured as in the case of food situation in Nigeria.
He identified ‘climate change’ as major factor affecting agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria, emphasising the need to not only address the issue of climate change, but, to also redesign the nation’s space.
He added that multifaceted approach were required to minimize the impact of climate change on food security.
The Agriculturalist said that Nigeria could enhance its agricultural productivity, build resilience to climate change, and ensure food security for its population.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality with far-reaching implications for our environment, economy, and livelihoods. Among the sectors most vulnerable to its impacts is agriculture, the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and the primary source of of livelihood for millions of Nigerians.
“The global impacts of climate change are profound, including rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifts in agricultural zones. For Nigeria, these impacts are particularly pronounced and multifaceted, posing significant challenges to food security.
“Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
“Currently, Nigeria faces high level of insecurity, with rural areas being the most affected. This situation is exacerbated by the country’s heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which makes food production highly vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events,” he said.
Sanni, who said that several factors contribute to food insecurity in Nigeria, including economic stability, rapid population growth and infrastructure deficits, noted that climate change stand out as a critical threat that could undermine all efforts to achieve food security.
He recommended strategies for enhancing food security to include; Climate-smart agriculture, Policy reforms, Infrastructure development and Technological innovations.
He said, “To achieve maximum solution in curbing the effects of climate change, community engagement and education is of utmost important.
“Therefore, addressing the challenges posed by climate change to food security in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving policy reforms, technological innovations, infrastructure development and community engagement. By working together, we can build a resilient agricultural sector that ensures food security for all Nigerians”.
Earlier, the Chairman of NITP, Mr Tayo Awomosu, said that the partnership with ATOPCON in organising the lecture would help to reduce chances of future interruptions, institute it as a public lecture series, and setup a sustainable funding arrangement for the programme going forward.
Awomosu noted that the lecture was organised in honour of Late Dr Femi Olomola, a fellow and past president of the institut in recognition of his contributions to the Town Planning profession in particular and humanity in general.
According to him, the lecture series aim to provide NITP Lagos State Chapter the avenue to engender discussion, debate and influence decision making on the social and developmental issues facing the nation.
In his goodwill message, Mr Bisi Adedire, described late Olomola as a mentor, urging members of the institute to have a rethink as they emulate him in their dealings.
Adedire suggested that the institute should learn to be celebrating Icons of the profession when they were still alive, instead of waiting for them to pass-on before celebrating their efforts.
According to him, there are still some noticeable personality icons who are working tirelessly toward progress of the institute.
On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Olutoyin Ayinde, commended contributions made by late Olomola, describing him as a ‘fulfilling man ‘, who likes getting others fulfilled.
Ayinde, who decried that some designated areas located to be agricultural zones have been converted to residential areas, commended the two association – NITP and ATOPCON for organising the lecture, saying that theme of the programme was apt in view of the current food insecurity and economic challenges facing the country.
