In the wake of the current food crisis in the nation, a state of emergency on food security has been declared. The government has called for the use of vast lands owned by the Nigerian military for farming to combat food insecurity in Nigeria. Hence, the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL) visited IITA on 25 July to explore agricultural solutions for best farming practices.
The team of 7 military officials, led by Major General C. R. Nnebeife, was warmly received by the IITA Management, led by the Director Partnerships for Development, Debo Akande, and the IITA Head of Security, David Oluwadare. Akande said, “IITA has been contributing to food security in Nigeria for 57 years running. We have been working to develop improved varieties. We are looking to support the Federal Government in adopting and scaling the technologies, research, and innovations developed in IITA.”
IITA started the revolution of youth engagement in agriculture under the administration of the previous DG of IITA, Nteranya Sanginga. Today, millions of youths have received training, financial and technical support to invest in agriculture in different capacities and crops. Oluwadare emphasized IITA’s role as part of a consortium of 15 research institutes that contribute to food, nutrition and water security in the world in various capacities.
Nnebeife applauded the reception of the IITA Management team despite the short notice and changed schedules. Having personal interests in agriculture, Nnebeife commended the effort IITA youth, researchers, and Management are investing tirelessly to improve food production and food security in Nigeria.
The team expressed interest in starting a cassava farm in Saki and Ede on over 4000 hectares of land. They also expressed the desire to explore other agricultural solutions through partnerships with other CGIAR centers and partners. Akande, who doubles as Senior Technical Advisor to the Governor of Oyo State, revealed some of the State Government’s schemes to tackle food insecurity, including the 1 million homes farming scheme that does not require much land to execute.
The Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL) team, led by Major General Nnebeife expressed their interest to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IITA to kick start series of engagements on a path to strengthen food security in Nigeria.
In a wrap-up session after witnessing first-hand IITA’s innovations and agricultural technologies from various units, Nnebeife applauded IITA’s expertise, consistency, and ingenious innovations. In appreciation, the NAFARL team presented a plague of appreciation to IITA for a beautiful work well done.
Contributed by Folake Oduntan
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