By Kabir Ibrahim
A veritable Food System is evolved by committing to the proper and sustainable creation of a number of important pillars namely:
Production
Storage
Processing
Distribution
Consumption
PRODUCTION: The efficient productivity of farmers needs an optimum push by ensuring security to enable them go to their farms seamlessly and assisted to deploy STI( Science, Technology and Innovation) which will ensure compliance to GAP(good agricultural practice), optimize Mechanization,exposure to relevant Education and efficient Agribusiness by creating Incubation Centers as well as Agriculture Intelligence Centers all over the lengths and breadths of Nigeria.
PROCESSING:
The maximization of processing and efficient value addition to bolster sufficiency, reduce importation and most probably enhance exportation in the long run and all these require the complete repositioning of the energy sector to effectively function.
STORAGE: Especially Cold storage as well as additional efficiently managed dry storages are sine quo non to reducing post-harvest losses and extending the shelf life of farm produce which should be pursued vigorously.
Distribution: Effective and efficient distribution of farm produce as well as processed products from place of production to place of need is key to an efficient food system.
CONSUMPTION: A very good and controlled consumption of food will reduce waste and reduce the emission of methane from decayed foods which are threat factors to the mitigation of climate change which is a global challenge to the attainment of global food security.
The above enumerated parameters must be contiguously pursued by the Federal government,State Governments as well as FCT and the 774 LGAs of Nigeria to be sustainably impactful.
Arc Kabir Ibrahim FNIA,
National President,
All Farmers Association of Nigeria(AFAN).