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The House of Representatives member representing Imeko-Afon/Yewa North Federal constituency, Gboyega Isiaka, on Sunday said that the nation’s protracted insecurity poses a serious threat to achieving the sustainable development goals of zero hunger in the country by the year 2030.
Isiaka who is the Chairman, Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing Committee of the lower House said that the country will need $4.9bn every year to meet up with the SDG goals of Zero hunger by the year 2030.
The federal lawmaker disclosed this at the 26th annual global lecture of the Alumni of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, held at the Senate building of the university.
Isiaka spoke on “Trajectory of Building an Agro-prosperous and Zero Hunger Nation”.
The lawmaker disclosed that achieving food security for the country will be a mirage if the growing challenge of insecurity is not tackled headlong, particularly in the Northeast and Middle Belt, leading to the abandonment of 800,000 hectares of farmland
Isiaka said, “Insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges for Nigerian agriculture. The rise of armed conflicts across the country has disrupted agricultural production and supply chains, leading to significant food shortages.
“Farmers face threats not only from armed groups but also from clashes with herders over land and resources. This ongoing violence has resulted in the abandonment of farmlands, displacement of farming communities, and destruction of vital infrastructure.
“The psychological toll on farmers is profound; the fear of violence can deter them from engaging fully in agricultural activities, stunting productivity, among other things.”
He explained that Nigeria is also acutely vulnerable to climate change, which manifests in erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increased desertification.
Isiaka said, “These environmental shifts threaten agricultural productivity by altering growing seasons and reducing arable land.”
To solve the challenge of insecurity, Isiaka canvassed for the establishment of designated ranches for livestock rearing to mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders.
The Chartered Accountant also called for the transparent allocation of land as well as a strengthened law enforcement and judiciary system for prompt and just resolution of conflicts.
To boost food production, Isiaka called for an increase in strategic funding and investment in the agricultural sector, adding that “The Institute of Sustainable Development earmarked that an additional $4.9 billion per year is needed by Nigeria between now and 2030 to meet SDG 2.”
The lawmaker also called for the adoption of technology, continuous training and capacity building for the farmers on modern farming techniques as well as encouraging youth involvement in farming as among notable ways to achieve a boost in food production
