The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako has urged Nigerians to address food waste as an essential step towards reducing hunger, as well as a key strategy for achieving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at a workshop for the project preparation phase of the GEF-8 Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP), aimed at transforming sustainable crops, livestock, and aquaculture food systems in Nigeria’s Kebbi and Niger states, Salako emphasized the critical connection between food security and environmental health.
“We must tackle the extensive amount of food waste as a resource management issue and a moral imperative to fight hunger, foster environmental sustainability, and aid in securing food security,” Salako stated.
He highlighted that managing food losses and waste effectively is essential not only for reducing hunger but also for protecting the environment.
“Our resolve is to ensure that the economic, social, and environmental foundations needed to generate food security and nutrition for today and the future are not compromised. Growth must occur in a milieu of environmental benefits,” he asserted.
“Our collective decision and action are crucial to forging a positive path for the future of agriculture, ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity for all.”
Mr. Koffy Kouacou, the Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to Nigeria, assured continued support from the FAO in addressing environmental challenges.
Kouacou outlined that the project document development would focus on four main components: strengthening food systems governance, supporting the introduction and improvement of sustainability standards, financial and risk mitigation products, and incentives for food systems transformation. Promoting sustainable and integrated management of landscapes and inclusive value chains to enhance food systems’ resilience to climate change and other shocks is a priority.
“FAO remains committed to supporting the government of Nigeria in achieving its climate action goals,” Kouacou affirmed.
Mr. Shehu Muazu, Commissioner for Agriculture in Kebbi, assured that the state would implement sustainable practices to protect the environment.
Similarly, Mr. Ibrahim Mami, Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries in Niger, committed to delivering sustainable initiatives in livestock management.
The workshop underscores the urgent need for a coordinated effort to tackle hunger and environmental issues simultaneously, highlighting the interconnectedness of food security and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.