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Kigali, Rwanda – Prominent Nigerian politician, Peter Obi has stressed the critical connection between food insecurity and human insecurity across Africa.
Speaking at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024, held in Kigali, Obi used Nigeria as a case study, emphasizing the need for urgent investments in agriculture to address both hunger and broader security challenges in the country.
He argued that boosting food production in Nigeria could be a major pathway to improving national security. “By focusing on agriculture and food-related productivity, the country could create substantial employment opportunities, particularly for its large population of unemployed youths,” Obi noted on his official X handle.
“Reducing our dependence on food imports will not only help stabilize our currency and exchange rates but also alleviate inflation driven by rising food prices,” he said.
To underscore the untapped potential of Africa’s agricultural sector, the the Labour Party presidential candidate pointed to Bangladesh, a country covering only about 148,000 square kilometres—less than one-sixth of Nigeria’s 923,768 square kilometres.
Despite its smaller size, Bangladesh produces between 35 and 40 million tons of rice annually, whereas Nigeria, with its larger landmass, produces just 3 to 4 million tons, roughly 10% of Bangladesh’s output.
“This disparity reflects the untapped potential of Africa’s agricultural sector and the urgent need for investment,” Obi, who was a panellist at the event noted, stressing that food insecurity, if addressed properly, could serve as a catalyst for broader human security and development across the continent.
The session concluded with a call for African nations to prioritize sustainable agricultural practices and improve value chains, which could create jobs, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth. Obi emphasized that addressing food insecurity would empower communities, promote prosperity, and pave the way for a more secure Africa.
“A self-sufficient Africa, one that can feed itself, is key to unlocking the continent’s full potential and addressing the challenges of human insecurity,” he concluded.
PeakNews Online
