The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has reinforced its commitment to eradicating hunger in Nigeria, particularly focusing on the vulnerable populations in the northwestern region. Mr. Koffy Dominique, the FAO Country Representative for Nigeria and ECOWAS, articulated this commitment during an official visit to Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto State. He outlined FAO’s strategic interventions, which include providing nutritional support to malnourished children, strengthening food security among vulnerable households, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through school gardens.
A key component of FAO’s intervention is the targeted support for malnourished children in Sokoto State. With the aim of reaching one million children, the organization, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, is implementing a pilot program to provide 21 metric tons of highly nutritious Tom Brown to 1,750 children aged 6 to 59 months. These children, recently discharged from malnutrition treatment centers, will receive this supplementary food to aid their transition back to regular family meals and prevent relapse. This intervention is crucial in addressing the immediate nutritional needs of these vulnerable children, safeguarding their health and development, and contributing to a reduction in malnutrition rates within the state.
Beyond immediate nutritional support, the FAO is also focusing on long-term food security and improved nutrition for vulnerable households. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, young girls, and children under five years old. Funded by the French government, this collaborative effort with the Sokoto State government aims to enhance access to nutritious food and promote sustainable agricultural practices, thereby building resilience within communities. This approach underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of food insecurity by empowering communities to produce and access nutritious food sustainably.
Furthermore, the FAO is pioneering an educational initiative centered around school gardens in four selected schools across Sokoto State. This project, implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Agriculture and Basic and Secondary Education, aims to cultivate agricultural knowledge, practical gardening skills, and nutritional awareness among school-aged children. By integrating these elements into the educational curriculum, the FAO hopes to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable food production and healthy dietary practices. This approach promotes a holistic understanding of the food system, connecting agricultural production with nutrition and health outcomes.
The pilot program initiated in Sokoto State, specifically in Tangaza and Rabah Local Government Areas, is intended to serve as a model for expansion across all seven states in Northwest Nigeria. This region faces significant challenges with food insecurity, largely due to the high number of internally displaced persons, estimated at 11 million, representing 35% of the national total of 30.6 million. The FAO recognizes the urgency of addressing this situation and is committed to scaling up its interventions to reach a broader population in need. The successful implementation and evaluation of the pilot program will provide valuable insights for adapting and refining the approach for wider implementation across the region.
FAO’s commitment to tackling food insecurity and malnutrition in Northwest Nigeria is underscored by its comprehensive strategy encompassing both immediate relief and long-term capacity building. The organization’s focus on providing nutritional support to vulnerable children, empowering households with access to nutritious food, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through school gardens demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to addressing the complex challenges of hunger and malnutrition. This integrated approach strengthens food systems, builds community resilience, and fosters a culture of nutritional awareness, all of which are essential for achieving long-term food security and improved health outcomes.
The collaborative nature of FAO’s interventions, involving partnerships with government ministries, local communities, and international donors, is critical for achieving sustainable impact. The support and commitment of the Sokoto State government, as well as the active participation of traditional and religious leaders, are indicative of the strong local ownership that underpins the program’s success. This collaborative framework ensures that interventions are context-specific, culturally appropriate, and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. The ultimate goal is to empower communities to take ownership of their food security and build a sustainable future free from hunger and malnutrition.
