In a call for urgent and coordinated action to combat the growing threat of global food insecurity, Nigeria and other African nations, alongside the United Nations (UN), have stressed the need for predictable finance to revitalize agriculture, enhance rural development, and tackle climate-induced food crises.
The joint appeal was made during the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, delivered a powerful address underscoring the country’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural systems through cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), geospatial analytics, and satellite-driven climate intelligence. These innovations, according to Shettima, are key to addressing Nigeria’s food insecurity challenges.
“Africa is facing a shared affliction of food insecurity,” said Shettima. “It is time to move beyond diplomatic pleasantries and develop actionable solutions that ensure food security for future generations.”
Shettima’s statement was made amidst calls from global leaders for increased financing and stronger international partnerships in the fight against hunger. According to Shettima, Nigeria’s robust institutional reforms in the agricultural sector are aimed at scaling production through the Presidential Initiative on Food Security. The initiative will focus on key staples such as maize, rice, cassava, and wheat, alongside significant investments in agro-industrial zones designed to spur rural economic transformation.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, also present at the summit, highlighted the critical need for “predictable concession finance” to address the root causes of food insecurity, such as environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure. He emphasized that climate finance must be realigned with food systems, given the intricate link between hunger and environmental challenges.
The summit also saw the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, address attendees through a recorded message, reiterating the interconnectedness of food security with climate change, social justice, and human rights. He stressed that the current food systems are about more than just food – they encompass environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
As the summit concluded, leaders renewed their commitment to creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. “This is not just about food,” Guterres noted. “It is about securing a better future for the generations to come.”
In the face of climate change, political instability, and economic challenges, African nations are calling for global solidarity and strategic investments to mitigate the widespread effects of food insecurity. The summit ended with a clear message: Collective action is crucial in ensuring that food security remains a global priority.
