Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian election, recently participated as a panellist at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 held in Kigali, Rwanda.
During the session, he underscored the critical link between food insecurity and human insecurity, using Nigeria as a case study.
Food Insecurity and Human Security
Obi reiterated his long-held stance that addressing food insecurity is pivotal to achieving general security in Nigeria. He argued that investing in agriculture and enhancing food-related productivity would not only alleviate hunger but also generate substantial job opportunities, particularly for the country’s large population of unemployed youths.
Economic Benefits of Food Security
Reducing Nigeria’s reliance on food imports, Obi suggested, would help stabilize the currency, steady exchange rates, and mitigate inflationary pressures driven by high food costs. This approach would have a positive impact on the country’s economy, making it more resilient and less dependent on external factors.
Comparative Analysis with Bangladesh
To illustrate the untapped potential in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Obi compared the country’s rice production with that of Bangladesh. Despite having a significantly smaller land area (approximately 148,000 square kilometres compared to Nigeria’s 923,768 square kilometres), Bangladesh produces 35-40 million tons of rice annually, while Nigeria produces only 3-4 million tons. This disparity highlights the vast potential for improvement in Africa’s agricultural sector and the need for increased investment.
Addressing Food Insecurity for Overall Development
Obi emphasized that addressing food insecurity in Africa could be a catalyst for enhancing human security and promoting overall development. Significant investments in agriculture and food systems could create jobs, reduce poverty, and tackle hunger simultaneously. Additionally, such investments could support basic food processing industries, leading to further job creation and economic growth.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices
By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and improving value chains, Africa can ensure food security, empower communities, and promote economic growth. This approach would lead to a more prosperous and secure continent. Obi concluded by stressing the importance of prioritizing food security to unlock Africa’s potential and address pressing issues of human insecurity. The aspiration, he noted, is for an Africa that feeds itself.
In summary, Peter Obi’s remarks at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 underscored the critical role of food security in achieving human security, economic growth, and overall development in Africa.
