The quest for development by any nation is a dynamic and continuous process that calls for all hands on deck. The sustenance of any nation is attached greatly to its capacity and capability to feed itself, and mend and squarely address even the unforeseen emergencies. The safety and security of any nation greatly rely on its agricultural potentials and capabilities. Food security is thus a great subject of discourse in this regard.
Food security is the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. And Food security has declined drastically in many developing countries. Until recently, most of the agricultural development initiatives by subsequent governments are treated with levity, and mostly taken for granted.
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) posited that ‘food security exists when all people at all times have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
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This implies that food shortage and noxious foods are sources of challenges to both the physical and mental well being of any people. And where the citizens are not stable, it is obvious that the security of that nation is under great threat and uncertainties of terrorism, war or even espionage loom.
The government of PMB and that of Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa state, and that of Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi state are actively promoting the agricultural capabilities of the people. There is great progress in this direction, but not without challenges caused by third parties and nonchalant smallholder farmers who short change themselves in the process.
In ensuring full agricultural growth a lot needs to be put in place in a sustained effort, in an inclusive manner and approach. Agriculture is the science of farming including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool and other products.
Thus, agricultural development tilts towards addressing the needs of the population and improving their nutrition. When farmers can grow more food and earn more money and income; they can achieve self-sufficiency and live better lives. Improvements in agricultural productivity create social and economic ripple effects.
Therefore, an agriculturally viable nation is security assured; and is a healthy nation. Health is thus a state of complete physical, mental and social well being of the individual not merely in the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of life is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, political, social or economic background.
The oil wealth and technology have begun to diminish thus seeking better options and alternatives. Nuclear and solar power technology will soon take over oil usage. Thus the earlier Nigeria began to plan and effectively implement the aggressive agricultural framework, the better. The SDGs Goals 1,2,3 and 4 can never be realised without a radical shift from the way things are going in Nigeria and surely any developing economy. A stitch in time saves nine says an adage.
Let us match words, plans and hopes with actions, not fiction. That done we shall be very safe.
Let us pray …
Musa Muhammad Hadejia writes from Hadejia, Jigawa State
