The Project Coordinator of Large-Scale Food Fortification at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Mr. Seun Elere, has declared that Kebbi State will become the pioneer in fortified rice production in Nigeria and the entire West African region.
Elere made the declaration during a media personnel training on “Promoting Rice Fortification in Nigeria (PRiFN),” on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi.
NatureNews.Africa reports that Fortification involves intentionally increasing essential micronutrients in food to enhance its nutritional quality and provide public health benefits with minimal health risks, according to experts.
Elere highlighted the collaboration with rice mills, including Wacot, Labana, Lolo Rice Mills, and other Modular Rice Mills, to fortify their rice, thus strengthening large-scale production and creating an enabling environment for the process.
The initiative to promote rice fortification in Nigeria is a joint effort between GAIN and the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) called PRiFN. It aims to develop, strengthen, and sensitize initiatives for monitoring food trends, enhancing agricultural and food trade policies in favor of rice fortification, and establishing a coordinated process for nationwide implementation based on the national roadmap.
Furthermore, the project seeks to support local production of fortified rice, develop national standards, and enhance the market’s enabling environment for fortified rice introduction.
Mr. Ekene Onyeagba, WFP’s Food Fortification Expert in Nigeria, emphasized that the collaboration between WFP, national and local governments, UN agencies, private sectors, and communities would focus on building human capital and resilience, improving value chains, and strengthening food systems.
The training also aimed to introduce the PRiFN project and its planned activities, securing media buy-in, sensitizing media personnel to the benefits of fortified rice, and soliciting their support in promoting these benefits. Participants were guided on proper reporting of rice fortification activities in the state and the North-West region.
Hajiya Aisha Usman, Chairperson of the State Food and Nutrition Committee and Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry for Budget and Economic Planning, expressed optimism about the positive impact of the training on the state’s populace and assured the organizers of the government’s commitment to supporting the promotion of rice fortification in the state.
Kebbi State’s venture into fortified rice production marks a significant step in the fight against malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria and West Africa.
As a major rice-producing region, the state’s commitment to fortification will play a crucial role in improving the nutritional quality of rice consumed by millions of people.
The partnership between GAIN, UN WFP, and various stakeholders, including rice mills, demonstrates the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing nutrition challenges. By working together, these organizations can leverage their expertise, resources, and networks to ensure the success of the PRiFN project.
Fortification of rice involves adding essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to rice during processing, making it a cost-effective and sustainable approach to combatting nutrient deficiencies. These fortified rice grains will provide a more nutritious staple food, especially for vulnerable populations who heavily rely on rice as a primary source of sustenance.
In addition to addressing nutrition concerns, promoting local production of fortified rice has the potential to boost agricultural and economic development in Kebbi State and beyond. As fortified rice gains traction in the market, it can create new opportunities for rice farmers, processors, and distributors, stimulating growth in the agricultural value chain and contributing to poverty reduction.
Media plays a crucial role in disseminating information about fortified rice, its benefits, and the broader PRiFN project. With media personnel equipped with accurate and compelling information, they can effectively educate the public about the significance of fortified rice consumption, contributing to higher consumer acceptance and demand.
The involvement of Hajiya Aisha Usman, the Chairperson of the State Food and Nutrition Committee, and the government’s commitment to supporting rice fortification signifies a strong political will to prioritize nutrition and public health. It sets a positive example for other states in Nigeria and neighboring West African countries, encouraging them to adopt similar strategies to address malnutrition and food insecurity in their regions.
As the project progresses, continuous monitoring and evaluation will be essential to ensure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach will help to make informed decisions and optimize the impact of fortified rice production on the overall well-being of communities in Kebbi State and beyond.
Overall, Kebbi State’s leadership in fortified rice production presents a promising opportunity for Nigeria and West Africa to make significant strides towards better nutrition and a healthier population.
Through sustained efforts, public-private partnerships, and widespread awareness campaigns, fortified rice can become a vital tool in the fight against malnutrition and pave the way for a more food-secure and healthier future.