The Nigerian government says its efforts to resolve the current food insecurity in the country has received a boost on Wednesday as the United’s States launched a programme along these lines.
Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Mohammed Kyari who disclosed this at an event in Abuja, stated that the bilateral support to the country is welcomed.
ait.live notes that Nigeria is currently experiencing severe food crisis due to insecurity, inflation, currency devaluation, increased cost of inputs, trade restrictions, climate change, and post-harvest losses.
In January 2024, the oil and gas rich West African country with an estimated 200 million population, recorded over 35% increase in food prices, making it difficult for the 84 million Nigerians living below the poverty line to buy food.
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It is expected that global food demand will double by 2050, yet key staple crops are showing a decrease of up to 30%, posing real challenges for which the United States has said it aims to support Nigeria’s’S efforts to mitigate the crisis.
The U.S Deputy Ambassador explained that for the idea to grow and drive economic development, the Nigerian government must create an enabling environment that supports private sector-led entrepreneurship.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar said the present government is prioritizing food security.
Editor: Ken Eseni