NEWS
Food Inflation: Subsistence Farming to the Rescue?
By Bukola Adewumi
Escalating food prices compounded by insecurity, economic downturn, high cost of transportation and climate change are reshaping Nigerian agricultural landscape.Granted, the Federal Government is making spirited and multi-faceted efforts to tackle insecurity and reduce food inflation but surging food prices continue to exert pressure on average Nigerians.
To this end, families are finding innovative solutions and stop-gap measures to combat rising food prices. An increasing number of Nigerian families are turning to subsistence farming as a means of ensuring food security and affordability.These families are upbeat that subsistence farming, especially home gardens, can provide primary and regular source of diet and nutrition and also reduce dependence on commercial food products which are most times, expensive.Rose Maiwada, a school teacher and Mrs Blessing Yakubu, a trader, are spearheading the advocacy for the cultivation of essentials for personal consumption and community resilience.“I am a school teacher with four children without a husband; when I noticed that my salary could no longer sustain the family because of the increase in prices of food items, I had to clear the back of my house where I planted vegetables and some grains.“I planted yams in sacks and potatoes, tomatoes and other basic household items that I need for my personal consumption.“This has really helped my family; I no longer spend money on buying some food items and meat because I grow the basic things that I need for my consumption, I have small poultry also,” Maiwada said.On her part, Yakubu said the increase in the prices of food items made her to think of the engage herself in farming.“As a trader, when people come to the market and you tell them the price of an item, the looks on their faces most times make me depressed; how I wish I could give the items for free,” she said.Worthy of note, an NGO, Global Alliances for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), recently empowered no fewer than 1,760 households with ts home gardening inputs to improve nutrition indices in four LGAs in Kaduna State in order to boost subsistence farming.The 440 beneficiary households were given vegetable seeds (Amaranthus and tomato seeds), orange-fleshed sweet potatoe vines, organic fertilisers, and watering cans.GAIN’s, Francis Aderibigbe, said the initiative was launched as a crucial part of the Workforce Nutrition Component within the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples Project (SNiPS).Aderibigbe, who is the Project Coordinator of Diamond Development Initiative (DDI), an implementing partner of the GAIN’s Home Gardens Initiative, said the exercise was designed to provide support to farming households, farmers, farmworkers and processors in the rice and maize value chains.He explained that the Workforce Nutrition Component focused on increasing the consumption of safe, nutritious foods by smallholder farmers, their families, and the wider population.He said the Workforce Nutrition Component promoted consumption of nutrient-enriched staples, fruits and vegetables for improved dietary intake, especially among farmers, farmworkers, and their households.Aderibigbe noted that Home Gardens Initiative was centred on training households in the establishment and maintenance of home gardens.He added that it was also to improve access to quality planting materials for the home gardens and improving knowledge and technologies on good agronomic practices for home gardens.“The initiative also seeks to improve nutrition education of households on the need to consume nutritious foods grown in their home gardens,” he said.In the same vein, Mustapha Bakano of the National Cassava Growers Association champions subsistence cultivation of cassava as a mainstay of food security.
He said that with strategic partnerships and government support, cassava could alleviate food insecurity and reduce dependency on imported grains.According to him, cassava is a staple food not only in Nigeria but in other part of Africa; so there is need for all us to cultivate cassava.“I am urging Nigerians to cultivate cassava; if we all do this, it will take us out of food insecurity because we can eat it in different forms and we can also export it.“We are synergising with the government to ensure that these seedlings reach the farmers to boost food security.“If we are able to focus in this direction, in the next few years, we will be looking at integrating cassava flour into wheat and this will help us reduce our deficit in importation of wheat,’’ he said.What’s more, Prophet Isa El-buba, the General Overseer of the Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministry International (EBOMI), said it had become imperative for Nigerians to embrace farming as an occupation.El-buba, who is also the Convener of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), said Nigeria is blessed with arable land and temperate weather capable of growing all types of crops.He said that people should take advantage of that and engage in farming activitiesEl-buba said that such a move would avert the looming food crisis in the nation, as people would produce for both subsistence and commercial purposes.“Nigerians should embrace farming; agriculture is the way to go and government should not beg us to go into farming.“No matter how small the piece of land is, cultivate it and since we are blessed with quality soil, you will be amazed what that small piece of land will produce.“With the current happenings, the days ahead will be rough and so by farming we will be able to avert food scarcity,’’ he said.On the other hand, some experts believe that resort to biotechnological solutions can address Nigeria’s food crisis.Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABDA), said that the adoption of biotechnology would revolutionise food production and security.Abdullahi underscored the transformative potential of biotechnology, envisioning enhanced crop yields, resilience to pests and diseases and reduced environmental impact.“Biotechnology offers a promising pathway to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and ensure national food security.’’
According to him, biotechnology is vast, profound and proffers solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our agricultural sector.“Biotechnology stands as a beacon of hope, a transformative force driving agricultural progress across the globe and farmer associations like yours play a pivotal role as the bedrock of our agricultural landscape.“This technology will enhance crop yields and improved nutritional content against pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions, biotechnology offers a spectrum of opportunities to propel our agricultural productivity to new heights,’’ he said.Dr Rose Gidado, Director Agricultural Biotechnology Department, NBRDA, said improved seed varieties were critical to sustainable farming practices.She said was hopeful on a future where every Nigerian contributed to food security by cultivating staple crops with ease and minimal environmental impact.Gidado appealed to Nigerians to embrace farming to boost food security.She said the new improved seedlings were easy to plant and it did not require spraying of pesticides as the conventional seeds.“If we can all plant one stable crop in no time Nigeria will be free from hunger, “she said.Admittedly, subsistence farming improves families’ food supplies and help them make healthy food choices in terms of eating organic foods but policy analysts are concerned.The analysts are of the view that Nigeria, with its massive arable land, has the capacity to produce enough food for local consumption and export.According to them, no matter how helpful subsistence farming could be, it should not supplant large scale mechanised and commercial farming as seen in other climes.
The Police Command in Rivers says three persons lost their lives in a fuel tanker explosion that took place in the state on Tuesday.
The tragic incident occurred when a petrol-laden tanker veered off the road, colliding with a taxi and bursting into flames at the Obiri Ikwerre flyover section of the East-West Road around 9:00 a.
m on Tuesday.SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson of the command, said in Port Harcourt that the car’s occupants were severely burnt and that they could not be identified.
“I can confirm that three persons perished after a tanker carrying petrol fell on a commercial vehicle at the Obiri Ikwerre flyover stretch of the East-West Road.
“The Fire Service has successfully put out the fire, but the area has been cordoned off due to ongoing petrol leakage from the tanker.
“The Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, and I were on the ground earlier to assess the situation,” she said.
Iringe-Koko added that traffic has been diverted from the flyover to alternative routes to prevent further casualties.
A correspondent who visited the accident scene saw the burnt vehicle and charred bodies of victims of the inferno on the road.
The incident happened a few kilometres from the Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and University of Port Harcourt.
There was an extensive gridlock stretching a few kilometres on the road that connects to the N200 billion Ring Road project currently being constructed by the Rivers Government.
An eyewitness, Ebiere Faith, noted that the explosion’s impact was felt kilometres away from her office.
“Some individuals said that their glass windows were shattered due to the impact of the explosion,” she told NAN. (NAN
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia yesterday said Nigeria needs to use new technologies through collaborative research and development to be able to tackle insurgency in the North and banditry in the North Central parts of the country.
He stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) Week 2024 held at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi, Benue State.
Alia promised that his administration will continue to support the noble ideas of the Nigerian Army in the performance of their duties and felicitated with the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the Combat Support Arms Training, 2024.
Looking at the theme: “Emerging Technologies: A Panacea for Operational Efficiency”, the governor expressed firm belief that the event was yet another step in the right direction towards their collective resolve to leverage emerging technologies towards enhancing the conduct of military operations.
“The adoption of new technologies through collaborative research and development will help in defeating non state actors currently terrorizing many parts of the country.
“I will always identify with the Combat Support Arms of the Nigerian Army, other relevant stakeholders and partner organizations to discuss and fashion out better ways of improving military operations towards a more secured and economically viable nation.
“I therefore commend the contribution of the Nigerian Army to the fight against insurgency in the North and banditry in the North Central, assuring them that the government and the good people of Benue State will always support them,” Alia maintained.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja warmly welcomed the governor, his entourage, traditional rulers and other eminent personalities to the event.
He said, in today’s complex and unpredictable operational environment, combat arms required a robust and reliable support to function effectively and achieve military strategic, operational and tactical objectives.
The Commander, Corps of Engineers, Prof. Abiodum Musa Aibinu expressed the delight of the corps of Military Engineers to host this year’s event saying it provided a platform for training officers of the Nigerian Army to enhance operational efficiency.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’ Adua and Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Army, Hon. David Ogewu were amongst top dignitaries who graced the occasion
The highlight of the event was the presentation of souvenirs to the governor and other participants.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Orcivirigh Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse has acknowledged the commitment of the World Bank for sustained development and poverty reduction in Nigeria.
He said the bank has made significant impact on the people’s lives on a multisectoral basis across the nation.
Speaking recently in his palace in Gboko when the Project Team Task Leader of Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Dr Joy Iganya Agene paid him homage, Orcivirigh Ayatse stressed the need to deepen the partnership for its effective implementation especially in the areas of agricultural modernization, rehabilitation of cottage industries, agroforestry, dredging of the River Benue, rehabilitation of moribund cattle ranches as well as support and empowerment for women.
The Tor Tiv stated that through the intervention of ACReSAL opportunities for economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability will be fostered adding that by learning from individual’s wealth of experience and expertise a brighter future for the next generation will be realized.
Earlier in her address, Dr Agene disclosed that the ACReSAL project is aimed at contributing to the Federal Government objective to reduce the vulnerability of millions of extremely poor northern Nigeria and strengthen its role in line with achieving environmental sustainability.
According to Dr Agene, the project targets vulnerable and marginalized groups including women, youths, the elderly persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, ethnic and religious minorities across the 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
She noted that the visit to the Tor Tiv was to foster a cooperation with traditional rulers and community leaders for the important role they played in the implementation of projects because of their connection and closeness to the rural people.
In his vote of thanks, Benue State Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Dr Victor Ama commended the World Bank for choosing Benue State for the implementation of the projects.
Freddie Adamgbe, Special Assistant to Tor Tiv on Media and ICT, quoted Dr. Ama as assuring the Tor is Tiv that his fatherly and wonderful counsel shall be fully adhered to.
Police Confirm 3 Fatalities in Rivers Tanker Explosion
ShareThe Police Command in Rivers says three persons lost their lives in a fuel tanker explosion that took place in...
Nigeria Needs New Technologies, Collaborative Research to End Insurgency, Banditry – Alia
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia yesterday said Nigeria needs to use new technologies through collaborative research...
Tor Tiv Commends World Bank for Life Changing Projects
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Orcivirigh Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse has acknowledged the...
Mining site Collapses in Niger Community, Traps 30 Underground
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna A minesite belonging to a company known as African Minerals and Logistics Limited has collapsed in...
Fire Guts Enugu Timber Market
Share No fewer than five shops were on Tuesday gutted by fire at the timber market in Kenyatta Street, Uwani,...
No plans to Revoke Licences of More Banks – CBN
Share The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has no plan to revoke the licences of more Deposit Money...
Mining Site Collapses in Niger Community, Traps 30 Under ground.
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna. A mine site belongs to a company known as “African Minerals and logistics limited.” has collapse...
Labour Suspends Strike over Minimum Wage for One Week
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Organised Labour yesterday suspended its ongoing indefinite strike action for one week over a new...
NDIC Begins Liquidation of Heritage Bank
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja Following the revocation of the banking license of Heritage Bank Plc by the Central Bank of...
Tax Reforms Committee Recommends Harmonization of Taxes into Eight Categories
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee (PFPTRC) has proposed harmonisation of taxes and levies...