Stakeholders under the Community of Agriculture Non-State Actors in Nigeria (CONSA) have initiated the development of a strategic framework to bolster Nigeria's implementation of the Kampala Declaration on food security, which was adopted by the African Union. This effort was highlighted during a workshop organized by CARE International in partnership with Nigerian non-state actors, focusing on strengthening coordination and policy influence in the execution of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The event took place yesterday in Abuja, where participants emphasized the critical need for effective coordination to meet the targets set by the African Union.
Workshop Aims and Priorities
Nasser Mitchell Ngaro, the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at CARE International, stated that the workshop was convened to create a roadmap for implementing the CAADP/Kampala Declaration in Nigeria. He explained that the initiative, in collaboration with partners such as COANSA, GIZ, and ActionAid, seeks to enhance advocacy efforts and ensure that government commitments translate into tangible outcomes. Ngaro identified several key priorities for improving agricultural productivity, including better access to land, finance, and improved inputs, as well as policies that support fair trade. He stressed that building robust collaboration between government and non-state actors is essential to overcoming the challenges faced by farmers and achieving sustainable food security in Nigeria.
Legislative Support
Dr. John Onyeokoro, a member of the House of Representatives, remarked that Nigeria's Parliament is intensifying efforts to address food insecurity and malnutrition through coordinated legislative action, improved funding, and stronger oversight. He disclosed that the National Assembly has established a Committee on Nutrition and Food Security across all 36 states, forming what is known as the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security. This network, inaugurated on July 20, 2024, aims to drive a coordinated national response to these pressing challenges.
Bridging Policy and Implementation
Rosemary F. Young, Chairperson of the Community of Agriculture Food System Non-State Actors, noted that stakeholders are working to bridge the gaps between policy and implementation by simplifying policies for farmers and ensuring inclusiveness. She explained that the group comprises researchers, farmers, private sector players, and agro-processors, all collaborating to support agricultural development. Young observed that while previous phases of the CAADP suffered from fragmented implementation, the current phase under the Kampala Declaration seeks stronger collaboration to maximize impact and reduce duplication. However, she cautioned that certain government policies, such as food importation aimed at reducing prices, could negatively affect local farmers by making their products less competitive.
Regional Perspectives
Chikwanji Chaufitamkawa, a representative of non-state actors from Malawi, emphasized the need to address fragmentation among stakeholders. She noted that while non-state actors have played key roles in implementing food systems initiatives, a lack of coordination has limited their impact. She said the adoption of the Kampala Declaration by the African Union and the Nigerian government provides an opportunity for a unified, systems-based approach to agriculture, nutrition, and trade. According to her, aligning national policies and fostering collective action among governments, Parliament, and non-state actors will be critical to achieving food security and self-reliance across the continent.
Challenges Facing Farmers
Olabisi Ogedengbe, Coordinator of the Small-Scale Women Farmers Association in Nigeria, highlighted some of the challenges facing farmers, including access to land, high transportation costs, and insecurity. She called on the government to provide land and create an enabling environment for farmers. Ogedengbe stressed that improving access to land and ensuring safety would significantly enhance food production and contribute to national food security.
