By Obiabin Onukwugha
As food prices continue to soar, an advocacy body, Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC) is calling for subsistence farming to combat food scarcity and hunger in Nigeria.
The centre emphasised that subsistence farming, which focuses on small-scale farming primarily for local consumption, offers a practical and sustainable solution to the pressing issues of hunger.
CAMIC also urged the Nigerian government, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to support subsistence farming through comprehensive policies, financial aid, and educational programs in order to encourage small holder farmers in Nigeria and across Africa.
It noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with severe food security challenges, intensified by climate change, economic instability, and disruptions in supply chains.
CAMIC, which is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and combating climate change, made the submission in a statement signed by its Chief Growth Officer, Pius Alabi, made available to NatureNews in Abuja on Tuesday.
It said: “The Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC) is urgently advocating for the incorporation of subsistence farming to address the critical issues of food dearth, scarcity, and soaring food prices in Nigeria’s markets today.
“Nigeria is currently grappling with severe food security challenges, intensified by climate change, economic instability, and disruptions in supply chains. These factors have led to an alarming increase in food prices, straining household budgets and exacerbating hunger and malnutrition across the country. Subsistence farming, which focuses on small-scale farming primarily for local consumption, offers a practical and sustainable solution to these pressing issues.
“Subsistence farming can significantly enhance food security and reduce the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.
“By empowering individuals and communities to grow their own food, we can foster a resilient and self-reliant food system that is less susceptible to external shocks.”
According to the centre, investments in infrastructure, access to high-quality seeds and tools, and training in sustainable farming practices are essential to a successful subsistence farming practice.
“We must act now. By prioritizing subsistence farming, we can build a more secure and sustainable future for Nigeria. Together, we can ensure that every household has the means to produce their own food and thrive in the face of our current challenges,” the statement added.
