Why youths should be involved in Nigeria’s food security efforts – Expert

The country director for Nigeria at the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Rufus Idris, said there is a need for inclusive partnerships and involvement of Nigeria’s youthful population in the country’s efforts to achieve food sufficiency.

He made the call recently at the recently concluded Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, a statement by the organisation has said.

He said “Africa is a youthful continent, with a substantial portion of the population under 35. Also, Nigeria has a young population, who constitute 70% of the country, and their entrepreneurial zeal that fuels innovation across various sectors, including agriculture.

“Therefore, it is imperative to empower and support these young minds in developing solutions for smallholder farmers, ranging from market access to input supply and climate resilience, resonated strongly throughout the session.”

He added that with climate change posing an ongoing and ever-present threat, he underscored the need for an unwavering focus on collaboration, partnerships, and innovative solutions to sustainably transform Africa’s food systems by engaging the continent’s youthful population.