FAO launches framework to promote food and agriculture in Nigeria

NIGERIA – The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has launched the Country Programme Framework (CPF), an agricultural program that aims to promote food and nutrition in Nigeria.

The CPF is a medium-term priority framework, derived from nationally defined priorities and objectives to be achieved over a five year period of the programming cycle running from 2018 to 2022.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Suffyan Koroma, FAO representative, said the framework will focus on food and nutrition security, support effective and operational framework.

The framework covers the main areas of FAO work in Nigeria, with the aims to achieve zero hunger and contribute to the attainment of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

In addition, the framework will also support Nigeria’s economic diversity and decent employment, and enhance disaster risk management in the country with resilience.

Mr Koroma also noted that it aligns with the FAO strategic objectives of sustainable inclusive development growth.

He said the CPF preparation started from a formal request by the Nigerian government in 2017.

Mr Koroma said the framework also looks forward to helping in creating peace between farmers and herders, especially in Benue and Nassarawa states.

It also aims at improving the efficient and sustainable management of natural resources in addition to offering support for appropriate and operationally effective agricultural policies.

Mr Koroma said the current CPF is building on the 2013- 2017 CPF by noting its achievements and learning from its challenges.

He listed the objectives of the framework as promoting school garden for better nutrition and learning skill, mainstreaming nutrition education in Agriculture, and learning extension and urban food system development.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, noted that climate change has been a major issue for agriculture across the country.

FAO is also working to promote the climate smart agriculture approach which equips farmers and other agriculture sector players with the tools, training and strategies needed to adapt to a harsher, more problematic production systems.

He also stressed that the country also needs quality seeds that can endure high temperature and also give good yields.