In a bid to address food security challenges and foster economic growth, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey Van Leeuwen, has advocated for Nigeria to embrace high-tech farming practices.
During his visit to Abuja for a Youth in Agribusiness training program, Minister Leeuwen emphasized the transformative potential of leveraging technology in agriculture.
The training program, a collaboration between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Golden Finger Green Skill Academy, seeks to equip Nigerian youths with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in agribusiness ventures. Minister Leeuwen highlighted the success of high-tech farming in the Netherlands, underscoring its pivotal role in catapulting the country to become the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products.
Addressing journalists, Minister Leeuwen underscored Nigeria’s immense agricultural potential, given its vast population and fertile land.
He stressed that with the right investment in high-tech farming, Nigeria could not only achieve food security but also emerge as a major player in global agricultural markets.
The minister’s remarks come amidst concerns over rising inflation, declining purchasing power, and escalating food insecurity in Nigeria.
Experts have urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a “State of Emergency” on food insecurity, citing predictions from the United Nations World Food Programme that over 26.5 million Nigerians could face acute hunger in 2024.
Aline Mugisho, Executive Manager of IITA’s Youth in Agribusiness initiative, echoed Minister Leeuwen’s sentiments, emphasizing the pivotal role of young Nigerians in driving agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship. Despite challenges such as brain drain and youth exodus, Mugisho emphasized the importance of investing in the youth as the future leaders of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
As Nigeria grapples with food insecurity and economic instability, the call for embracing high-tech farming serves as a clarion call for transformative change. With strategic investments, technological innovation, and youth empowerment initiatives, Nigeria has the potential to harness its agricultural resources for sustainable development and food sovereignty.
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