In response to President Bola Tinubu's declaration on July 13, highlighting the inflation in food items caused by insecurity in various regions, the REF President, Abdulsalami Ladigbolu, emphasised the importance of empowering young women in agriculture to combat the food crisis.
Speaking at a conference in Abuja, Mr Ladigbolu stressed the need for the government to prioritise agricultural integration as a means of tackling the existing challenges.
He pointed out the crucial role women play in the agricultural sector, which can significantly contribute to achieving the goal of 'zero hunger' in the country.
Highlighting global statistics, Mr Ladigbolu referred to the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) estimation that women make up 43 per cent of the global agricultural workforce, rising to over 60 per cent in least-developed countries.
Despite their significant contribution, women often face limited access to essential resources, technologies, information, and financial support for their agricultural activities.
To address these issues and contribute to the realisation of the United Nations' goal of 'zero hunger' by 2030, UNESCO REF has initiated an agricultural empowerment program in partnership with various organisations and stakeholders.
Known as the Strategic Intervention Programme-ALPHA (SIP-ALPHA), the initiative aims to empower young women in agriculture, recognising their pivotal role in driving agricultural development.
Mr Ladigbolu expressed optimism that the Young Women in Agriculture program's launch would come at an opportune moment when food insecurity has become a pressing concern in Nigeria.
By equipping young women with the necessary tools and support, the REF hopes to make substantial progress towards addressing food shortages and achieving a more food-secure future for the nation.
The collaboration between the government and the UNESCO REF underlines their shared commitment to combat the current food crisis and work towards sustainable agricultural development.
With young women at the forefront of this initiative, there is a potential for positive impacts on food availability and security in Nigeria.
As the country faces food scarcity challenges, it becomes increasingly important to prioritise agricultural integration, empowering women in the sector, and providing them with the resources needed to thrive in the agricultural landscape.
By doing so, Nigeria can take significant steps towards alleviating hunger and achieving food security for all its citizens.
(NAN)