Hauwa Ali
At the recent Nutrivision 2024 Pan-African Youth Dialogue on Nutrition, held at Nile University in Abuja, Bill Gates emphasised the growing urgency of addressing malnutrition in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan
Africa.
The Microsoft co-founder and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation spotlighted the direct link between soaring inflation and rising malnutrition rates, calling for improved agricultural practices to make food more affordable and accessible.
Gates pointed out that Nigeria, like many countries in the region, faces significant food security challenges due to high inflation, conflict, and climate change. Rising prices of essential goods have made it difficult for many families to afford nutritious meals, leading to widespread undernutrition. According to the World Bank, inflation in Nigeria recently surged to its highest levels in two decades, hitting low- income households the hardest.
Gates advocated for a strong focus on agricultural productivity to address this crisis. “We must prioritise making food more available at lower costs through improved agricultural techniques,” he said, citing innovations such as drought-resistant seeds, better irrigation systems, and soil health improvements.
Gates highlighted that many African farmers still use outdated methods, leading to low yields, inefficiencies, and higher food prices.
The Gates Foundation has invested heavily in research and development in agriculture, promoting initiatives that support farmers by providing access to quality seeds and technologies that can withstand climate variability. “We are seeing breakthroughs in agricultural science that can make a significant impact,” Gates said, noting that improved seed varieties and modern farming technologies can increase yields and reduce dependency on food imports.
Beyond agricultural innovation, Gates stressed the broader implications of malnutrition on Nigeria’s future. He explained that malnutrition, particularly among children, is one of the main factors holding back the country’s potential. Currently, Nigeria ranks high in global malnutrition rates, with over 10 million children estimated to suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition.
Malnutrition also severely impacts education and economic productivity, leading to a cycle of poverty.
“When children are malnourished, they are less likely to perform well in school, and their long-term health is compromised, affecting the country’s workforce,” Gates warned. To break this cycle, he urged for policies that focus on the short-term goal of increasing food availability and improving health outcomes
through better nutrition.
Gates underscored the need for a multisectoral approach, calling for closer collaboration between the agricultural, health, and economic sectors. He praised the efforts of African governments, including Nigeria’s, to invest in agricultural development but noted that more needs to be done, especially in
scaling up successful programs. “It’s essential that governments, NGOs, and the private sector work together to address the root causes of malnutrition,” he said.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains a crucial part of its economy, employing about 35% of the population. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including poor infrastructure, limited access to financing, and inadequate technology transfer. Gates emphasised that empowering smallholder farmers with the right tools and resources is vital to improving productivity and food security.
The philanthropist also highlighted the role of climate change in exacerbating food insecurity. Extreme weather events like droughts and floods have led to crop failures and reduced food availability across Nigeria. “Climate change is a reality, and its impact on agriculture cannot be ignored,” Gates stated. He encouraged investment in climate-smart agriculture to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns, ensuring long-term food security.
Through initiatives like the African Agricultural Development Program, the Gates Foundation has been supporting climate-resilient farming practices that can withstand drought and floods while also promoting sustainable land use. Gates stressed that solutions must be forward-looking, with an emphasis on technologies that not only increase yields but also safeguard the environment for future generations.
Bill Gates reiterated the Gates Foundation’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through an integrated
approach that includes improved agricultural productivity, better health interventions, and economic empowerment. He praised Nigeria’s progress but warned that the country risks exacerbating existing inequalities without concerted efforts to improve food security.
The Nutrivision 2024 event highlighted the importance of youth engagement in these efforts. Gates noted that the next generation of leaders and innovators will be crucial in shaping Africa’s food and nutrition future. He encouraged young people to participate in agriculture, emphasising the need for fresh ideas
and entrepreneurial solutions to drive sustainable progress.
In conclusion, Gates stressed that solving the malnutrition crisis in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa will require collaboration at all local, national, and international levels. By improving agricultural productivity and addressing the economic factors driving food insecurity, Nigeria can take a significant step toward reducing malnutrition and unlocking the full potential of its population.