KDSG Launch Agricultural Sector Strategy to Check Malnutrition
By: Edirin Robinson
In its commitment to reduce the alarming statistics of malnourished women and children, Kaduna State Government has launched an Agricultural Sector Strategy to build food systems that improves nutrition.
Speaking during the launching ceremony held in Kaduna, yesterday, the Deputy governor of the State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe said disclosed that, the confirmed indices are quite alarming especially in the case of Stunting and other nutrition related deficiencies of which about 13% of Women are under weight and 48% of children under five, suffer stunting.
Dr Hadiza who was represented by the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning Commission, Alh. Mohammed Murtala Sabo, stressed that the issue of food insecurity has led to an increased number of malnourished women and children in the State, hence the need to fortify the Agricultural Sector to boost the production of foods with nutritional benefits.
She noted that agriculture being one of the pillars of the State’s economy comes as an effective tool in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Kaduna State.
“The indices that were released are quite alarming. When you talk of the Stunting and the nutrition related deficiencies —about 13% of Women are under weight, 48% of children under five, suffer stunting.
“I want to give this encouraging and firm commitment that all the highlighted challenges of the priority areas will be addressed. The Ministry is working very hard, and the government, through the sustained agenda of Sen. Uba Sani, is willing to support, to address most of the highlighted issues.
The Deputy disclosed that the Governor has also given an approval for the massive increment of land under irrigation which comes in partnership with the Private Sector, since one of the key areas is the establishment of all year round farming and the Ministry is working hard to achieve that with support from the State Government.
“I want to appreciate all the Partners especially Harvest Plus and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. We assure you that Kaduna being an Agricultural State, we have very active and strong willed farmers.
“It is the season of farming and we are working very hard to see that we improve the numbers of productivity which is why the State is working on yield improvement and quality inputs.”
In his welcome address, the Honorable Commissioner, Budget and Planning Commission, Alh. Mukhtar Ahmed stressed that agriculture plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of Kaduna State, not only as the backbone of the State’s economy but as also a crucial driver of employment, food security, and rural development.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Alh. Bashir Mohamed, opined that the launch of the strategic document is not just a routine event but a clarion call to action for all to work collaboratively towards achieving the goals set out in the Kaduna State Agricultural Sector Strategy 2023 – 2026.
According to him, the launch marks a significant milestone in the collective journey towards a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural future for Kaduna State adding that the State Government has in the last few years made remarkable strides in revitalizing the agricultural sector.
“An integral part of our success story has been our robust partnerships with various donor agencies and international organizations. One notable partnership is with HarvestPlus, a global leader in bio-fortification, which has been instrumental in enhancing the nutritional quality of our staple crops.”
“This partnership exemplifies the power of seed varieties, ensuring that our farmers can cultivate crops that not only yield better but HarvestPlus has provided technical support, capacity building, and access to improved cassava, which are significantly improving the nutritional status of our population.”
“In addition to Harvest Plus, we have also partnered with other esteemed donor agencies, including the World Bank, IsDB, UNICEF amongst others. These partnerships have brought in much-needed financial resources, technical expertise, and innovative Government to transforming agriculture into a vibrant and sustainable sector.”
While citing the achievements as a testament to the State Government’s commitment, the Commissioner said that there is still much work to be done adding that the Kaduna State Agricultural Sector Strategy 2023 – 2026 provides a comprehensive roadmap to build on these ambitious targets set out in this strategy.
“Let us seize this opportunity to transform our State and I am confident that with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can achieve the targeted goals we desire for the progress of the State. Together, let us embark on this journey approaches to address various challenges in the agricultural sector towards a brighter agricultural future for Kaduna State.”
The Policy Advisor of Harvest Plus, Aremu Fakunle John commended the State government and the Development Partners for the promotion of enabling a business environment for agriculture, nutrition and food security.
According to him, it is the climax of a three year journey that started the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition in Africa (GAIN,) in Nigeria, of which Harvest Plus came on board to complete.
“From Harvest Plus, we are committed to working with the Kaduna State government beyond the official launch, even to the implementation and several other agricultural promotion activities in the State.”
