NIGERIA – Nigeria has reached out to the United States government for support to address critical challenges affecting the country’s agricultural sector.
Vice President Kashim Shettima initiated discussions during a meeting with the US Special Envoy for Global Food Security, Cary Fowler, as part of his diplomatic engagements in the United States of America.
Shettima emphasized the importance of mechanization, access to high-quality seeds, fertilization, improved agricultural practices, and smart agriculture in addressing the country’s agricultural needs.
He stressed that Nigeria’s focus is on increasing agricultural yield and improving productivity, underscoring that it goes beyond the mere acreage used for production.
“I am here, surrounded by other stakeholders armed with figures, facts, and knowledge, making this partnership easy and smooth sailing,” he stated, expressing his commitment to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria and across Africa.
Shettima assured the US Special Envoy for Global Food Security of the Nigerian government’s readiness to maintain and nurture existing relationships with partners in the agricultural sector.
He emphasized the importance of seeking ingenious solutions to overcome the food security challenges facing the country.
In response, Cary Fowler revealed that the US government, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, has initiated a groundbreaking agricultural program focused on Africa.
The program, termed the ‘Vision for Adapted Crops and Soil,’ is a partnership involving the US, the African Union (AU), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Its goal is to assist African nations, from the national level down to individual farmers, with ineffective soil management, ensuring sustainability and productivity in soil cultivation.
Fowler expressed concerns about the impact of climate change on Africa’s crops and highlighted that the joint program with the AU and FAO is tailored to address the challenges faced by African agriculture.
The program will also look into indigenous African crops that have suffered from underinvestment.
To support this program, a multi-donor trust fund has been established at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), providing long-term funding. The US government has allocated US$100 million to the program.
Fowler emphasized the need for collaborative efforts with countries like Nigeria and encouraged their political support to make the program more permanent and ensure strong African leadership in the initiative.
“This partnership between Nigeria and the United States holds the potential to significantly enhance agricultural practices, improve food security, and contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture not only in Nigeria but across the African continent,” he said.
