Food Insecurity: FG, state govts tasked on establishment of safe grazing sites
Written by admin on July 9, 2024
Chairman of the forum, Ibrahim Shehu Dandakata disclosed this in Abuja noting that concerted efforts are necessary to combat food insecurity in the country, given the prevalent hunger among citizens.
He emphasized that there is urgent need for a secure environment for cattle rearing to address the issues of banditry and cattle rustling, which contribute to protein shortages.
His words, “Whether we like it or not, the issue of hunger is real, and this is undoubtedly linked to the insecurity in the North, which has resulted in the abandonment of 60% of arable land in the region for more than five years.
“Consequently, the cost of protein has skyrocketed, and cattle rustling, which has escalated to banditry, significantly contributes to the people’s ordeal.
“Moreover, since crop farming and cattle rearing have been devastated by insecurity, it is imperative that all hands are on deck to overcome this situation.
“Although our solutions may not be exhaustive, they will undoubtedly pave the way forward.
“Firstly, we must establish safe enclaves for cattle rearing where you have water, security and all the facilities needed to make such enclaves operational.
There will also be collaboration with the private sector and NGOs to ensure adequate security and prevent encroachment by foreigners.
Regarding food insufficiency, crop production and farming, he said, “thousands of hectares lie fallow across northern Nigeria, and the solution lies in fully empowering the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) to fulfill its mandate.”
“At the economic level, any imports will require necessary dollars, which are in short supply in Nigeria. As a non-producing nation, our demand for foreign exchange far exceeds the available supply.
