21st April, 2024
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says the U.S. government has unveiled its new Global Food Security Strategy Country Plan for Nigeria.
Melissa Jones, Mission Director, USAID, who disclosed this at the “1st Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition” in Abuja, said the plan was unveiled in March.
Jones said the plan was in tandem with President Joe Biden’s commitment to improve food security in Nigeria.
The conference was organised by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), among others.
Jones said the new strategy prioritised the value chains of rice, maize and horticulture in six states- Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara.
According to him, the programme builds on previous achievements and lessons learned; prioritises inclusive participation, value chain, climate adaptation and private sector engagement.
Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, ARCN, identified one of the major problems in the country as concentrating all efforts on food production and neglecting post-harvest activities.
NAN