Post-harvest losses have been identified as a major concern in Nigeria with estimates suggesting that up to 40% of Nigeria’s agricultural produce is reportedly lost annually due to inadequate storage and transportation facilities.
This was disclosed by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security at the just concluded 6th West African Cold Chain Summit , which was part of the 9th The Nigerian Agrofood and Plastprintpack conference and exhibition, held in Lagos.
The Minister noted that the alarming statistic represents not only a substantial economic loss to farmers but also poses a grave threat to food security and nutrition in our nation.
He said “As we convene to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities within the cold chain sector, it is imperative to underscore the pivotal role that cold chain infrastructure plays in safeguarding the integrity of our agricultural produce and ensuring food security for our populace.
“Nigeria, like many other West African nations, grapples with significant post-harvest losses, exacerbated by inadequate cold chain facilities and inefficient supply chain systems.”
The Minister , who was represented by Hajiya Zuburat Mahmud, explained that Cold chain infrastructure, encompassing refrigeration, transportation, and storage facilities, plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and nutritional value of agricultural produce from farm to fork.
“In this regard, the Nigerian government is committed to fostering partnerships and collaborations with both public and private stakeholders to strengthen our cold chain networks.”
While noting that there is need to redouble efforts to bridge existing infrastructure gaps, Kyari said “our journey towards achieving a resilient and inclusive cold chain ecosystem still has a long way to go.
“By leveraging emerging technologies such as IoT-enabled monitoring systems, blockchain traceability, and renewable energy solutions, we can enhance the efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of our cold chain networks.”
He added that ” in tandem with our cold chain initiatives, we must address the broader issues of food security and malnutrition that afflict our nation.
“Despite our agricultural abundance, millions of Nigerians continue to suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and deprivation.
“As we build a resilient cold chain infrastructure, we must also prioritize interventions aimed at improving access to nutritious food, promoting dietary diversity, and addressing the underlying determinants of malnutrition.”
Senator Kyari explained that Central to their efforts in combating malnutrition is the imperative of food fortification, a cost-effective and evidence-based strategy for enhancing the nutritional quality of staple foods.
“In the Ministry, we are collaborating with different stakeholders to promote from bio to food fortification at household and industrial levels.
“By biofortified staple crops such as maize, rice, cassava, sweet potato, millet, and sorghum with micronutrients and fortifying essential food commodities such as flour, salt, and cooking oil with key vitamins and minerals, we can significantly reduce the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies and improve the health outcomes of our population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
Kyari regretted that despite Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, many of its citizens still suffer from malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
“Through their innovative programs, TechnoServe has been instrumental in addressing malnutrition and promoting food fortification.
TechnoServe’s holistic approach to nutrition, which includes promoting the adoption of fortified foods and empowering local communities to take ownership of their food systems, has yielded promising results. So it is quite pleasure to participate in the Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI) Award presentation to the organizations that have harken to the call and fortified their products with the required micronutrients and also to witness the epoch making launch of the Millers for Nutrition (M4N).”
Kyari added that by harnessing the power of public-private partnerships and leveraging the expertise of organizations like TechnoServe, “we can overcome the challenges that stand in the way of achieving food security in Nigeria and across West Africa.
“Together, we have the opportunity to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food system that ensures no one is left behind.”
Vanguard
