In a world where the global population is expected to hit 9.7 billion by 2050 according to the United Nations, the pressing issue of food sufficiency looms large. As the world population expands, so does the demand for food hence the pressing need to encourage farming, not just as an economic activity but as a fundamental pillar of food security.
Farming is the bedrock of human sustenance, providing the essential nourishment required for survival. It involves various activities such as planting, tending to crops, managing livestock, and harvesting.
Food sufficiency refers to a state where a population has enough food available to meet their dietary needs. This includes having access to an adequate quantity and variety of nutritious foods that provide essential nutrients for good health.
By encouraging farming, Nigeria can boost its food production capacities. This not only reduces dependency on food imports but also ensures a stable and diverse food supply chain.
In the past, farming was life to our ancestors which provided so much food for them but nowadays, people now see farming as a reserve for elderly or rural dwellers. This has gradually reduced the percentage of farmers and in turn slowly increased the degree of food scarcity coupled with the speedy growing population.
Achieving food sufficiency requires collaborative efforts on a global scale. Encouraging farming requires significant investment and supportive policies from government, international organizations, and the private sector.
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Federal and State Governments in Nigeria should invest in agricultural research, infrastructure development, technology adoption, extension services, market access, and value chain development to strengthen the farming systems.
Also, Government should compel financial institutions to provide agricultural subsidies, grants and loan incentives for farmers. Each State should build a modern food reservoir to buy off excess produce as well as daft policies to provide an enabling environment for farmers.
The public as well have a crucial role to play in ensuring food security. This is why the First Lady’s announcement of return of ‘Young Farmers club’ to all public primary and secondary schools in the country should be encouraged and applauded.
Private schools should follow suit and start the Young Farmers Club in their establishment to encourage younger generation of farmers, parents should encourage their children to join the clubs in their schools and provide necessary atmosphere to build a love for farming in younger generation.
Every home should cultivate even the smallest of gardens in their environment to provide the most essential food items and those who are able, should cultivate larger farms.
In addition, there should be farming education accessible for everyone who is willing to venture into the practice full time and farming internships should be encouraged.
Finally, all hands must be on deck to encourage Farming as a means to promote food sufficiency in Nigeria.
