Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed Nigeria’s new perspective on food security, emphasizing its integration into broader macroeconomic and governance strategies. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on March 2024, Shettima highlighted that the Federal Government now views food security as a multifaceted issue that extends beyond agriculture.
During the panel discussion titled “When Food Becomes Security,” Shettima articulated a vision for Nigeria’s food security framework. He stated, “In Nigeria, we don’t look at food security purely as an agricultural issue. It is a macroeconomic, security and governance issue.” The Vice President identified three main pillars of this framework: increased food production, environmental sustainability, and enhanced regional integration within West Africa.
Shettima pointed out that global supply chain disruptions and climate change necessitate a robust agricultural base. He noted Nigeria’s diverse ecological zones present unique challenges, such as desertification in the Sahel and flooding in the riverine regions. “Nigeria is a very large country, and there is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology,” he commented, underscoring the interconnectedness of these issues.
To combat these environmental challenges, the government is promoting the development of drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crop varieties, including rice, sorghum, and millet. Shettima explained that redesigning food systems in flood-prone areas will help mitigate the impacts of climate shocks.
Security remains a significant concern for food production, particularly in conflict-affected regions that are also vital agricultural areas. Shettima announced initiatives aimed at creating food security corridors and enhancing community-based security efforts, allowing farmers to safely return to their lands. “That is why we are creating food security corridors and strengthening community-based security engagements,” he said.
In addition to addressing security and environmental issues, the Federal Government has introduced the Back to the Farm Initiative. This program aims to resettle displaced farmers by providing essential agricultural inputs, insurance, and access to capital for production.
Shettima identified macroeconomic challenges such as heavy import dependence and foreign exchange volatility as contributors to food inflation. “We import wheat, sugar and dairy products, and this directly impacts inflation,” he noted. The strategy includes accelerating local production and promoting alternatives like sorghum, millet, and cassava flour to correct existing structural imbalances.
The Vice President emphasized that Nigeria’s comprehensive food security strategy aligns agriculture with national stability and regional cooperation. This approach positions food security as a frontline response to both economic and security threats. He called for increased collaboration among African nations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), suggesting that intra-African trade is crucial in the face of global changes.
Looking ahead, Shettima expressed optimism regarding ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He believes these reforms will facilitate significant investments in smallholder farmers, improve climate adaptation efforts, and enhance intra-African trade.
As Nigeria redefines its approach to food security, the Vice President’s insights at the WEF showcase a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges that affect the nation’s agricultural landscape and overall economic stability.
