News in brief:
– The Federal Government, FAO, and partners have launched the Nourishing Nigeria initiative to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition.
– It will use youth training, improved agricultural policies, and nutrition-sensitive planning to help vulnerable Nigerians.
The Federal Government, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other key stakeholders, has launched a new initiative called “Nourishing Nigeria” to combat food insecurity and malnutrition across the country.
Announced during a strategic workshop held in Abuja, the project is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s food and nutrition systems by aligning agricultural strategies with both national and international standards.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Mr Oshadiya Olanipeku emphasised that the project is a technical cooperation effort that will bring lasting change to how nutrition is integrated into agricultural planning.
FG, STAKEHOLDERS STRATEGIZE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT “NOURISHING NIGERIA”
The Ministry in collaboration with the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) & other stakeholders have organized a workshop on the implementation of project “Nourishing Nigeria” to address (1/6) pic.twitter.com/qMfpRYZEIh
— Fed Min of Agric & Food Security (@FmardNg) April 14, 2025
A major component of the initiative is the establishment of Junior Farmer Field and Business Schools. These schools aim to equip young farmers with modern technical skills and entrepreneurial training to thrive in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the project will support the creation of policy and legal frameworks that promote better governance and strategic interventions for improved food and nutrition outcomes.
FAO’s Country Representative, through his delegate, highlighted that the project will embed nutrition-sensitive approaches into agriculture policy and implementation, ensuring that food production also meets dietary and health needs.
The workshop gathered top representatives from UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), State Agriculture Commissioners, and other development partners, signalling strong support for a healthier, food-secure Nigeria.
Farmers are encouraged to stay informed and take advantage of training opportunities as the project unfolds nationwide.
Recall that the World Bank approved a $1.08 billion financing package aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education system, tackling malnutrition, and boosting economic resilience among vulnerable communities.
The funding, which supports three major initiatives, underscores the bank’s commitment to Nigeria’s long-term development goals as outlined in the country’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition.
A significant portion ($500 million) will be used as additional financing for the Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme. It is expected to expand its scope to provide broader economic support amid ongoing challenges such as inflation, unemployment and shocks from global economic disruptions.
Another $80 million is earmarked for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN 2.0) project. This initiative will focus on improving nutrition services, promoting dietary diversity, and offering critical support to vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five.
Malnutrition remains a major concern in Nigeria, with millions of children suffering from stunted growth and preventable illnesses due to poor nutrition.
