World Food Day: Abia Renews Commitment To Food Security
7 months ago 4 min read
Abia State today, joined the global community in commemorating World Food Day, with a call for decisive action to combat hunger and improve food security.
The event, held at the International Conference Center (ICC) in Umuahia, brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural sector and an exhibition of farm produce to reflect on this year’s theme, “Right to Food, For a Better Life and a Better Future.”
In his keynote address, the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, emphasized the urgency of tackling food insecurity, which remains a major global challenge. He referenced the 2023 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC), which found that 282 million people in 59 countries faced acute food insecurity, with Nigeria among the most severely affected.
“UNICEF has reported that 25 million Nigerians are at high risk of food insecurity, driven by conflict, climate change, and economic shocks,” Dr. Agbaeze stated.
Highlighting the role of smallholder farmers in addressing this crisis, Dr. Agbaeze stressed that these farmers contribute up to 80% of Nigeria’s agricultural output, yet they face significant challenges.
“Smallholder farmers in Abia State and Nigeria as a whole are the unsung heroes of the country’s food production,” he said. However, he noted that these farmers struggle with limited access to credit, insufficient market linkages, and vulnerability to climate shocks, which hinder their ability to meet the country’s food needs.
As part of efforts to address these issues, Dr. Agbaeze announced that the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, had implemented targeted interventions to support smallholder farmers. Among the initiatives was the disbursement of funds ranging from 1 to 3 million Naira to 298 farmers trained in value chain techniques.
“This initiative aligns with the Governor’s vision to position Abia State as a leader in agricultural production,” Dr. Agbaeze remarked, adding that the state is building on the agricultural legacy of Dr. M.I. Okpara, the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria.
The World Food Day event also featured the voices of local farmers who while speaking to THE WHISTLER, echoed the need for greater support.
Mrs. Adaku Enyinnaya Peter, a cocoa farmer from Ikwuano, spoke about the benefits of cocoa farming but emphasized the financial constraints hindering its production.
“In cocoa production, we have so many benefits, but the financial challenges are much. We need chemicals, herbicides, and financial assistance to improve production. If we have enough support, we can bridge the gap of hunger in Abia State and even export outside Nigeria,” she said.
Similarly, Reverend Ikwunze Obioma Israel, another farmer, highlighted the rising costs of farm labor and the lack of government support. “How can we eat right when there is no food, and the cost of producing food is extremely high? Hiring laborers now costs up to ₦4,500, but we are not getting any help from the government. We need fertilizers, seedlings, and real financial support,” he urged.
Speaking on the loans given by the government to farmers, he said, “Loans don’t get to the farmers. We have an association that represents the farmers. If actually they want to get to the genuine farmers, they should contact this people through the Ministry of Agriculture not giving their political supporters money saying its farmers. No, they are not farmers”.
Christopher Okechukwu, from the Agricultural Development Program(ADP), raised concerns about the lack of food storage facilities in the state. “If there is crisis like flooding, and people cannot access food, we are in trouble. We need proper food storage, and it’s not rocket science. Local fabricators in Aba can do it, but there has to be financial backing. The government needs to release funds to the people, even as loans,” he explained.
Concluding the event, Dr. Agbaeze called for collective action from policymakers, stakeholders, and individuals to ensure that food becomes a fundamental right.
“Today’s gathering serves as a call to action, urging us all to collaborate towards a future where food security is guaranteed, and sustainable development is a reality,” he said, echoing the day’s theme.
World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to raise awareness and inspire action against hunger, with this year’s event highlighting the ongoing need for sustainable food systems in Abia and beyond.
