The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a non-profit organisation, has unveiled a project tagged
“Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS Nutrition )” to tackle issues of malnutrition in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project will particularly focus on the consumption of four priority staples; Cassava, Maize, Rice and Potatoes.
It is expected to bring forward innovations that will contribute to small-holder farmers’ livelihoods and sustainable rural development.
Dr Michael Ojo, the Country Director, GAIN, said the five-year project would be done in partnership with GIZ, a German company, and the Green Innovation Centre for Agriculture and Food Sector in Nigeria.
He added that the project, which would be implemented in four states, namely Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Oyo, would also be supported by the German Government, through its Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Ojo stressed that the project would improve access and consumption of safe and nutritious foods in the country.
He noted that “ensuring food and nutrition security is one of the most pressing challenges for sustainable social and economic development in Nigeria.
“Meeting this need presents an important opportunity for tackling malnutrition.
“Diets of rural population are particularly poor and many are currently experiencing vitamin and mineral deficiencies, leading to severe health outcomes, including premature and preventable deaths especially in children under five years.
He explained that “Strengthening Nutrition Project will build on the key pathways adopted by the country for the post-summit transformation of our food systems.”
Dr Mohammed Abubakar, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said there was need for concerted and multisectoral approach in addressing the issue of malnutrition in the country.
Abubakar, who was represented by Mrs. Omotosho Agbani, added that malnutrition remained a significant public health problem in the country, which had persisted in the last two decades.
According to him, the ministry on its part is adopting food-based approach to effectively tackle malnutrition challenges.
He added that to ensure that Nigerians consumed nutritious and wholesome foods free from poisonous substances, the ministry had inaugurated a standing inter-ministerial technical committee on Agro Zero Reject.
On his part, Mr. Hendrik Denker, the Advisor, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, BMZ, said the project was coming at the right time.
He stressed the need to adopt a systematic approach by relevant stakeholders to improve the food systems that would improve sustainability. (NAN)
