Africa and other developing countries have been struggling with weak supply chains, owing to issues largely surrounding infrastructure. This is a major contributor to post-harvest losses being recorded in these countries. Sadly, this has become worse as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, which have crumbled the already weak food supply chain.

Food insecurity will continue to be our symbol as a nation, if and when farming communities constantly live in fear for their lives and livelihood
In Nigeria, the situation is now worse, as insecurity has become the elephant in the room. According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), it noted that food production in Nigeria has reduced drastically and food inflation is at all time high (currently estimated at 21.79%) since 2005 and continues to increase. We are already in a food crisis situation and it looks like there is no solution at hand. We can not continue to live in denial, believing that everything will come back to normal soonest.

Unfortunately, several farms are closing up, largely due to insecurity, as they no longer feel safe. Meanwhile, others have reduced their production capacity and diversified (to avoid losing all their capital). This is a national issue and it needs to be addressed appropriately and with urgency. Food insecurity will continue to be our symbol as a nation, if and when farming communities constantly live in fear for their lives and livelihood. Thus, we need to restore peace in our farming communities across the country.

It is essential for us to know that hunger doesn't understand excuses, likewise the body, it will continuously demand for its nutrients. Therefore, addressing the issue from the grassroots is vital to finding a lasting solution.

It is time to act now, not tomorrow or next tenure.



Yours-in-Service

Babatunde

In his weekly column Letter to my Farmers, Babatunde Olarewaju writes about personal experiences and insights on farming, curated through working with smallholder farmers in Africa. Last week's letter is available here.