Collaborative Efforts: Tackling Hunger and Food Insecurity in Nigeria (II) – Our Security, Our Peace By Prof. O.E Bassey

As emphasised in the first series, a robust collaborative approach with the concerted efforts of important stakeholders is critical for effectively tackling food insecurity in Nigeria.

By leveraging the strengths, resources, and expertise of diverse actors, Nigeria can develop holistic solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity, improve access to nutritious food, and build resilience in vulnerable communities.

While the stakeholders and players who should be involved in this national fight against food insecurity had been rolled out in the first series, here are some specific solutions that can be taken to address the issue of food insecurity:

Investment in Agriculture: Government and private sector investment in agriculture, including modernizing farming techniques, providing access to inputs, and supporting smallholder farmers, can boost food production and enhance food security.

Strengthening Social Safety Nets: Implementing effective social safety net programs, such as food assistance and cash transfers, can help vulnerable populations access nutritious food and alleviate hunger.

Improving Infrastructure: Upgrading infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities, is essential to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve food distribution networks.

Climate Resilience: Promoting climate-smart agriculture practices and providing farmers with tools and knowledge to adapt to climate change can mitigate its impact on food production and ensure food security.

Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: Addressing underlying causes of conflict and promoting peacebuilding efforts are essential to safeguarding agricultural livelihoods and restoring food production in conflict-affected areas.

Education and Awareness: Educating communities about nutrition, sustainable farming practices, and food preservation techniques can empower individuals to make informed decisions and improve food security at the grassroots level.

It is imperative that efforts to address food insecurity are guided by principles of equity, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are prioritized and empowered to access nutritious food and build resilience against future shocks.

Only through collective action and collaborative partnerships can Nigeria overcome the complex challenges of food insecurity and create a future where all citizens have access to an adequate and sustainable food supply.

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October, 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old as young, women and children in various places from corporate organisations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets and communities.

It is in our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.

So this is a call-to-action, to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, your congregation with contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.

Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a beneficiary of this.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace and Security Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey

X: Dr. O.E Bassey

WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com