The Jigawa State Government has expressed concern over the growing threats of climate change, declining agricultural productivity and post-harvest losses to food security across Northern Nigeria.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning raised the concern on Monday during the Bi-Annual Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Strategy across the 19 Northern states, held in Dutse, Jigawa State.
He said food insecurity, malnutrition, climate change, declining agricultural productivity and disruptions in food supply chains remain major challenges affecting the region.
According to him, the challenges require urgent and coordinated action from governments, development partners and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable food production and improved nutrition.
”Across Northern Nigeria, food insecurity, malnutrition, climate change, declining agricultural productivity, post-harvest losses, and disruptions in food supply chains remain significant challenges that require urgent and coordinated action,” he said.
The Commissioner explained that addressing the challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving agriculture, health, nutrition, environmental sustainability, infrastructure and social protection.
He urged the 19 Northern states to embrace climate-smart agriculture, improved storage and processing technologies, and sustainable natural resource management to reduce food losses and strengthen agricultural resilience.
He also stressed the need for adequate funding, effective planning and proper implementation of agricultural policies to achieve meaningful results.
The Commissioner said food systems transformation should go beyond policy formulation and meetings to practical interventions that improve agricultural productivity, household incomes and access to nutritious food.
He called on participating states to strengthen collaboration, improve resource mobilisation and ensure that food security priorities are reflected in their annual budgets and development plans.
He further emphasised the importance of supporting smallholder farmers, women, youths and vulnerable households, describing them as critical players in food production, processing and distribution.
The Commissioner commended the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other development partners for supporting efforts to strengthen food security across Northern Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that stronger partnerships, adequate financing and sustained political commitment would help the region overcome its food security challenges.
