Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for Nigeria’s 2023 elections, has emphasized that bolstering investments in agriculture is essential for addressing hunger and insecurity across Africa.
Speaking at an international food security conference in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday, the former Governor of Anambra State highlighted the critical role agriculture plays in alleviating the continent’s hunger crisis.
In a post on his X account, Obi asserted that a focused approach to agriculture is the key to effectively combatting hunger in Africa.
He pointed out that decreasing dependence on food imports would alleviate pressure on the nation’s currency, stabilize exchange rates, and mitigate inflation driven by rising food prices.
“I participated as a panellist at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 held in Kigali,” Obi noted. “During the session, I reiterated my longstanding belief that food insecurity is closely linked to human insecurity.”
Using Nigeria as a case study, he stressed that addressing food insecurity is vital for enhancing overall security within the nation.
“By channeling resources into agriculture and boosting food production, Nigeria can tackle the hunger crisis while simultaneously creating significant employment opportunities, particularly for the youth,” Obi elaborated.
He also highlighted the need to tap into the vast agricultural potential in Nigeria and other African nations.
“Take Bangladesh, for instance: with approximately 148,000 square kilometers—less than one-sixth of Nigeria’s 923,768 square kilometers—it manages to produce 35-40 million tonnes of rice each year. In contrast, Nigeria’s output is only 3-4 million tonnes, which is about 10% of what Bangladesh produces.”
This stark contrast, he noted, reflects the broader challenges faced by Africa and underscores the urgent need for investment in the agricultural sector.
“If food insecurity in Africa is addressed effectively, it can serve as a catalyst for improving human security and fostering overall development,” he concluded.
