Food Security: Anambra Government Plans to Establish Food Bank

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has said that the state has become one of the food baskets of the nation under his administration.

He said the state attained that status through regenerative agriculture approach.

Soludo spoke through his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajuyi at the 2023 National Action and Communication Plan for implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Nigeria.

He further said his administration was considering establishment of food bank to avoid wastages even as he
restated his commitment to turning the state into a livable and prosperous State with enough food and healthy community.

He said, “Anambra state, under my watch has become one of the food baskets of the nation, through its regenerative agriculture approach. This is why the state distributed over 700,000 oil palm and coconut seedlings to citizens of the state.

“Arrangement is now geared towards exploring short season plants to beat flooding that last year submerged eight local councils that are food baskets of the state.”

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor described the summit as timely and essential in drive to domesticate the agenda in the 18 states of the federation, insisting it was time other states developed comprehensive and tailored approach reflecting unique needs, challenges and opportunities.

He called for prioritization of sustainable agricultural practices that improve productivity, reduce waste and protect the environment while also enhancing good security and nutrition.

He also canvassed for promotion of policies and regulations, including consumer education that reflected importance of healthy and sustainable food choices.

On her part, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, disclosed that Anambra was leveraging on strengths and opportunities existing within the agriculture and agro-processing sectors in view of critical roles food systems play in supporting economic growth.

“The implementation of a few food systems-related initiatives namely regenerative agricultural policy, distribution of coconut and oil palm seedlings as well as distribution of farm inputs, amongst others reduce number of people without access to food, decline in food-related disease, and improve livelihoods of people in the state,” she said.

He said it also helps to reduce greenhouse gases and enhances the socioeconomic development of the country.

He also said that the agenda is not a federal government program, but one that calls for concerted efforts from the subnational, the private sector, and citizens.

Meanwhile, National Convener for the Implementation of the United Nations Initiated Food System (UNFST) in Nigeria, Dr. S. O. Faniran, said the consultation was targeted at harvesting inputs of all southern region states towards development of robust and inclusive implementation strategy for the food system transformation in Nigeria.

He said: “The three zones in the South: Southeast, Southwest, and South-South, gathered to harvest input into the implementation plan for the 17 recommendations that were presented by President Mohammadu Buhari in Food System Summit.

“The outcome of this summit will mean that we have harvested inputs into the implementation strategy so that it will now become a national document and not a Federal government document.”

Earlier, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Nebeolisa Anako, represented by Engr Okechukwu Ezekwesili, said food system pathway represented comprehensive approach to improving productivity and sustainability of food while promoting good health and nutrition.

In their separate remarks, representatives of the United Nations, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) said the zonal consultation organized is instrumental in enriching implementation strategy and ensuring its ownership by stakeholders at all levels.