Ukorebi Esien | 19 October 2024
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| Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebekpo and the SPC of IFAD-LIFE ND, Mr Innocent Ogbim inspecting IFAD's stand during the recently held World Food Day in Calabar |
CALABAR — The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through its Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises-Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, played a prominent role in the 2024 World Food Day celebrations in Cross River State. The event, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, showcased several activities aimed at addressing food security and sustainability, with IFAD's contributions taking center stage.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator for IFAD-LIFE ND, Mr Innocent Moses Ogbim acknowledged the critical challenges facing global and local food security, including hunger, climate change, inflation, and insecurity. He emphasized the need for government policies that reflect these realities. He called for increased investment in human capacity development, especially in research and development, which he argued would boost the success of agribusiness initiatives and help alleviate food insecurity.
Highlighting the impact of the IFAD-LIFE ND project, he noted that the initiative has successfully engaged numerous young people in agricultural ventures, contributing to food security and economic empowerment for women and youth in the Niger Delta.
During a panel discussion, experts echoed similar sentiments, stressing that achieving food security and ensuring the right to food requires a sustainable and efficient agricultural system. They pointed out that the state's current focus on subsistence farming limits productivity. Instead, the emphasis should be on improving access to inputs like high-yield crop varieties to increase food production.
One panelist explained, "Food security starts with the availability of food, followed by its accessibility and affordability. Right to food means ensuring that food is safe and nutritious for all." Another added, "We must move beyond the idea of a 'balanced diet' to an 'adequate diet,' ensuring that the food we consume meets our bodies' needs and supports our health." The discussion also highlighted the importance of ongoing government initiatives, such as food fortification, which ensures essential nutrients are available in everyday diets.
In his address, the Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo (KSM), said the theme for this year's celebration, "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future," was apt, relevant and timely. He noted that it aligns perfectly with the priorities of the administration of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. Under the "People First" agenda, the governor has emphasized the need for food availability, accessibility, and sustainability to improve the quality of life for all Cross Riverians.
The Commissioner also hinted on some of the state's major agricultural initiatives, including the development of 12,000 hectares for six new cocoa estates and the procurement of 3.5 million sprouted oil palm nuts to support smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the establishment of 2,000 hectares for arable crop production in Odukpani Local Government Area and recent statewide irrigation infrastructure projects were described as significant steps towards year-round food production.
"The governor's leadership is dedicated to improving lives through these transformative agricultural projects," said Ebokpo. "We are united in our efforts to combat hunger, improve livelihoods, and eradicate poverty."
The Commissioner concluded by urging all stakeholders—including agricultural clusters, local governments, and NGOs—to actively support these initiatives, which are crucial to transforming the agricultural landscape of Cross River State and beyond.
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