By Bisola Adeyemo
Food security has become an issue of key importance to countries with different degrees of economic development, while the agricultural sector plays a strategic role in improving food availability.
Achieving food security is desirable, irrespective of the political system and socioeconomic conditions. It is an extremely high priority in the developing regions of the world where population growth coupled with the increased intensity of environmental disasters, still, agriculture cannot be overemphasized.
According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), NatureNews learned that Agricultural sector is one of the major sectors that yields the country’s revenue. Between January and March 2021, agriculture contributed to 22.35 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product.
“But agricultural sectors face many risks, such as climate and market volatility, pests and diseases, extreme weather events, and an ever-increasing number of protracted crises and conflicts.”
Natural disasters have cost billions of dollars in lost agricultural production. The human food chain is under continuous threat from an alarming increase in the number of outbreaks of transboundary animal and plant pests and diseases.
“Conflict and protracted crises are forcing more and more people into conditions of poverty, food insecurity and displacement. This has become the “new normal,” and the impact of climate change will further exacerbate these threats and challenges.
“Despite various initiatives and programmes to alleviate hunger problem, food insecurity remain serious problems in many countries particularly in Nigeria.
“Disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management must therefore become an integral part of modern agriculture.
“With the increasing population, estimated to reach 400 million by 2050, enhanced agriculture productivity through adaptation of new technologies and innovations is necessary to ensure food security and nutrition. Support from all partners to the efforts by the federal and state governments is central for achieving this goal.”