The Senior Director of Breeding and Pre-Breeding at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Professor John Derera, has raised concerns over the alarming rate of food waste in Nigeria, stating that up to 40% of food produced annually is lost. He estimated this waste at a staggering $9 billion.
According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, Derera emphasized that Nigeria has the potential to feed its population and expand its agricultural exports, but only if it tackles the chronic issue of food loss across the supply chain.
He made these remarks in a presentation delivered during the 9th Sustainable Livelihoods and Development Network for Africa Conference, held at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo. Representing him at the event was Dr Hogson Mushoruwa, Global Head of the Breeding Consultative Group, IITA.
Derera pointed out that Nigeria spends about $52 billion annually on food importation, yet still loses nearly half of its agricultural output due to waste.
“Amidst these challenges lie opportunities for intervention through implementing a holistic approach that encompasses infrastructural development, sustainable agricultural practices and supportive policies,” he stated.
He stressed that boosting food security in Nigeria requires investment in best farming practices to improve crop yield per hectare.
“This boosts yield and ensures that more food is available for both local consumption and export. These challenges can also be controlled by strengthening supply chain infrastructure, improving storage, transportation and distribution systems to reduce food wastage,” he said.
Derera also urged the government to genuinely support local food processing industries, adding that value addition to raw agricultural products could significantly reduce waste and improve export value.
“This includes investing in food processing equipment, creating a favourable policy environment and providing training to local entrepreneurs.”
In his address, Dr Moses Adebayo, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at ACU, linked food waste and hunger to the use of poor-quality seeds, which leads to crop failure. He noted that the university has taken a proactive step by launching ACU Seeds Limited in 2022 to tackle this issue.
“In tackling this humongous agricultural problem stemming from poor-quality seed, Ajayi Crowther University management has demonstrated rare and admirable courage in establishing a full-fledged seed company… This seed company has recorded remarkable success in developing, commercializing and disseminating quality seeds of pro-vitamin A biofortified maize varieties.”
A key highlight of the four-day event was the farmers’ forum, which brought together around 500 farmers from across Nigeria. Participants shared their challenges and appealed to the government to collaborate with qualified agricultural experts to achieve food sufficiency.
Dignitaries present at the conference included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Timothy Abiodun Adebayo; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Muyiwa Popoola; Acting Registrar, Olusegun Ojo; University Librarian, Dr Bosede Ajiboye; Bursar, Dr Ayodele Olusanwo; and other senior officers of the institution.