By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged a $55 million support funds to the Nigerian government to boost food security.
USAID’s Development / Mission Director in Nigeria, Anne Patterson, made this known during the launching of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy, (NATIP), 2022 – 2027 over the weekend in Abuja.
The NATIP is aimed to boost Agribusiness undertakings geared towards achieving Food and Nutrition Security.
In a statement made available to Journalists by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Chief Information officer of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Patterson who spoke through the Deputy Mission Director, Sara Werth stated that the Organization would continue to provide financial and Technical support to fast-track Agricultural development in Nigeria.
She said, “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated the issue and we are now seeing indications of a global food crisis. To that end, President Joe Biden has committed $2.76bn in US Government funding to address the global food crisis.”
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmmod Abubakar said that NATIP was a response to President Muhammadu Buhari’s Agenda of diversifying the Nation’s Economy from Petroleum Oil based to Agriculture driven National Development Strategy.
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He said,‘’ the focus of the new National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy 2022- 2027 was premised on the ten thematic areas of Stakeholders Synergy and Alignment, Knowledge Creation and Transfer, Rapid Mechanization, Extension Service Delivery, Livestock Development, Crop Value Chain Strengthening, Fisheries and Aquaculture.’’
He added that the policy covers the crosscutting areas of Digital and Climate – Smart, Agriculture promotion, Rural Infrastructure, Export Standardization ,Data and Information Management ,Quality Agricultural Inputs Access and Women and Youth in Agriculture.
The Minister revealed that, ‘’ the ministry has sustained various initiative for the development of the agriculture sector, hence, the issue of embracing technology and innovation becomes inevitable for transforming the nation’s agricultural system of empowering smallholder farmers to adopt new technologies and best practices for an enhanced production’’.
He noted that the implementation strategy of the policy has outlined clear responsibilities and roles among the National, State and Local Government Actors with clear indicators and timelines for robust and collective tracking of progress throughout the period of implementing the programme.
The Minister lauded the relevant Stakeholders, Development Partners, Non- Governmental Organization, Civil Society, Financial Institutions and Researchers for their contributions to the development of successful framework of the NATIP 2022- 2027.
Dr. Abubakar urged stakeholders to key into the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy, 2022 -2027 for its smooth implementation towards ensuring food and nutrition security in the country.
In his remarks, the Minister of State, Agricultural and Rural Development, Hon. Mustafa Baba Shehuri, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe stated that collaboration and robust partnership are critical towards overcoming the effects of climate change, security challenges and diseases outbreaks that continue to constrain the process of increase in production.
