Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, delivered a stark assessment of Nigeria’s food security situation during his inaugural lecture. He argued that despite the nation’s abundant agricultural resources and potential, true food security remains elusive. While acknowledging the existence of food production, he emphasized the critical distinction between food availability and food security. Food security, he explained, encompasses not just the presence of food but also its consistent accessibility, affordability, and utilization in a way that promotes nutritional well-being. Professor Ndaeyo’s lecture, titled “Farming System in Nigeria: Wallowing in Food Security Amid Abundance?”, highlighted the paradox of a nation rich in agricultural potential yet struggling to guarantee food security for its citizens.
Professor Ndaeyo, a specialist in farming systems agronomy, detailed his extensive research contributions aimed at bolstering food security in Nigeria. His work has spanned various aspects of crop production, including bush clearing techniques, tillage practices, soil fertility studies, and farming systems research. He has focused on a wide array of crops vital to Nigerian diets, including maize, cassava, cocoyam, yam, okra, fluted pumpkin, cowpea, and onions. Despite these dedicated efforts and the wealth of agricultural knowledge generated, the professor conceded that Nigeria remains far from achieving its food security goals. He attributed this persistent challenge to systemic issues that hinder the efficient and equitable distribution of food resources, leaving many vulnerable to food insecurity.
The core of Professor Ndaeyo’s argument centers on the distinction between having food and achieving food security. While Nigeria undoubtedly produces a significant quantity of food, its distribution systems, market accessibility, and affordability remain major obstacles. Food security, he stressed, requires more than just production; it necessitates a robust infrastructure that ensures food reaches those who need it, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location. This includes efficient transportation networks, storage facilities, market regulations, and social safety nets to support vulnerable populations. The absence of these crucial elements, he argues, undermines Nigeria’s ability to translate its agricultural abundance into genuine food security for all.
Despite the sobering assessment, Professor Ndaeyo offered a glimmer of hope, pointing to the current administration’s increased focus on addressing food security. He expressed optimism that with renewed commitment and strategic interventions, Nigeria could overcome the challenges and realize its full agricultural potential. However, he stressed the need for a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply increasing production. He advocated for a more holistic strategy that encompasses improved land management practices, appropriate mechanization, and a focus on intensifying production within existing cultivated areas rather than expanding into new, potentially fragile ecosystems.
Beyond the technical aspects of agricultural production, Professor Ndaeyo also emphasized the importance of ethical and spiritual considerations. Citing a biblical proverb, he urged a more conscientious and responsible approach to land management and resource utilization. He underscored the need to view agriculture not just as an economic activity but as a stewardship of God-given resources, requiring careful planning and sustainable practices. This perspective, he argued, is essential for ensuring long-term food security and environmental sustainability.
In concluding his lecture, Professor Ndaeyo reiterated the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges. He called for a concerted effort involving government, researchers, farmers, and the public to work together towards achieving a truly food-secure nation. He stressed the importance of embracing innovative approaches, investing in research and development, and fostering a culture of responsible resource management. Only through such a comprehensive and collaborative approach, he argued, can Nigeria move beyond the paradox of abundance without security and ensure that all its citizens have consistent access to nutritious and affordable food.
