Stakeholders in the agricultural value chain have called for improved collaboration among industry players while urging the government to provide consistent support to achieve food sufficiency and affordability in the country.
Speaking during a panel titled βYouth-led Initiative for Food Securityβ, participants emphasized the need to reduce post-harvest losses through the provision of cold-chain storage facilities and the removal of bottlenecks hindering the transportation of produce from farms to markets.
The call was made at a symposium organized by the Foodclique Support Initiative as part of activities marking this yearβs World Food Day, held at the NECA House, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja.
The Head of Marketing and Partnerships at Leky Mills Limited, Tracy Dabul, advocated for stronger public-private partnerships in the sector, noting that potential investors require a conducive business environment and reliable data from the government to effectively reach farmers at the grassroots.
She also stressed the need to promote a culture of volunteerism among agricultural enthusiasts who can help spread awareness of the sectorβs vast economic opportunities.
Dabul commended the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, for initiating several programs across the agricultural value chain, which have created new job opportunities, encouraged networking, and accelerated the stateβs drive toward food sufficiency.
On his part, Segun Anifowose Johnson of Global Street Food King emphasized the importance of proper education for aspiring agripreneurs, warning that success in agriculture does not happen overnight. He identified inadequate financing as a major barrier to growth and urged the government to prioritize agricultural funding and subsidize food to make it more affordable for citizens.
For Chef Samson Balogun, maintaining hygiene is fundamental in food preparation. He highlighted the importance of documenting recipes to prevent bacterial contamination and noted that the role of a chef extends beyond cooking, involving creativity and innovation that contribute significantly to the culinary industry.
Earlier, the Team Lead of Foodclique Support Initiative, Ibrahim Onilegbale, explained that the forum was organized in line with the groupβs renewed commitment to reducing hunger in the country. He revealed that since its establishment over a year ago, the organization has carried out direct interventions through the distribution of cooked and raw food to Nigerians across more than ten states.
The theme for this yearβs World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, is βHand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.β
