September 2023 Food News: Battling Climate Change and Boosting Food Security

September food news explores important changes and progress in Nigeria’s food ecosystem. From climate change worsening food insecurity to the efforts to enhance food fortification, to a food fiesta. September food news mirrors the rich diversity found within the Nigerian culinary landscape.

Here are the stories we covered for September food news: 

• Nurturing Sustainability: Tackling Food Production During a Climate Crisis.
• NESG and Others Offer Solutions to Enhance Food Fortification
• Nigeria and Cuba Partner to Tackle Food Insecurity
• 3X4 Gourmet Presents Lagos Street Food Fiesta Spotlighting the Finest African Cuisine
• UNDP-EU Reveals 17 Finalists for Nigeria’s Growth Stage Impact Ventures (GSIV) Program

Nurturing Sustainability: Tackling Food Production During a Climate Crisis

Climate change is increasingly contributing to food insecurity in Nigeria. It affects rainfall patterns, leading to flooding when the soil can’t absorb the excess water. Researchers at the World Weather Attribution say that flooding is now 80 times more likely in Nigeria due to climate change. In 2022, Nigeria experienced its worst flooding in a decade, impacting 34 out of 36 states and affecting over 2.8 million people.

This flooding damaged crops and farmlands, resulting in substantial economic losses. The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services estimated the economic losses caused by the flood at about N700 billion. In response to these challenges, the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) has introduced climate-smart agriculture practices to help farmers cope with erratic weather. They provide training, workshops, and improved crop seedlings to enable farmers to plant and harvest crops early, mitigating the impact of floods. By enhancing crop production, AKADEP is addressing food insecurity in the region. Despite challenges like limited funding, the agency aims to reach more farmers and improve food security in Akwa Ibom State.

NESG and Others Offer Solutions to Enhance Food Fortification

In response to the escalating issue of malnutrition and food poisoning cases in Nigeria, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has joined forces with eHealth Africa and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) to address the challenge of food fortification. This collaborative effort aims to promote food fortification compliance and generate actionable recommendations for industrial fortification. Nigeria, a country blessed with abundant agricultural resources, faces the complex issue of micronutrient deficiency, which carries significant socio-economic implications.

The government has introduced policies to encourage the fortification of staple foods, with agencies such as the National Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) tasked with ensuring compliance. Experts in a panel session highlighted the positive impact of fortification in reducing micronutrient deficiencies and certain diseases. They stressed the importance of education, especially among traditional and religious leaders, in addressing malnutrition. Additionally, proper storage and handling of foods, community education, and potential reductions in customs duties on micronutrient premixes were identified as crucial factors in improving fortification compliance, ultimately benefiting public health.

Nigeria and Cuba Partner to Tackle Food Insecurity

The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cuba to boost food security and agriculture. Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, signed the MoU in Havana, Cuba. This agreement aims to strengthen agricultural collaboration between the two nations. Kyari praised Cuba’s willingness to partner with Nigeria and emphasized Nigeria’s agricultural potential, demographic advantage, and commitment to food security. The minister extended a partnership offer to Cuba in areas like bio-fortification, seed improvement, mechanization, and technology for increased yields. He highlighted Nigeria’s interest in cooperation on poultry, livestock, and fisheries, along with veterinary medicine and vaccine development.

Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Brito, highlighted Cuba’s agricultural prowess and commitment to cooperating with Nigeria in areas such as agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer. Brito emphasized Cuba’s experience and capacity in agriculture. The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ben Okoyen, and other members of the Nigerian delegation.

3X4 Gourmet Presents Lagos Street Food Fiesta Spotlighting the Finest African Cuisine

3 BY 4 Gourmet, a food subsidiary of 3X4 Foods, a renowned brand specializing in African cuisine, has unveiled plans for the “Street Food Celebration” event, set for October 1, 2023, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island. The event aims to celebrate Nigeria’s culture, history, and people through street food. It will offer attendees a unique opportunity to enjoy cultural entertainment and savor gourmet street food. The event’s goal is to highlight the evolution and globalization of Nigerian food, showcasing the latest trends in African cuisine.

The event organizer, Banke Makinde, founder of 3X4 Foods, expressed her passion for Nigeria and its cuisine, which drives her mission to promote its global presence. She envisions sharing the richness and uniqueness of Nigerian cuisine with the world, emphasizing the cultural diversity of Lagos and its street food offerings. The invite-only event will bring together over 500 stakeholders from the food industry, including chefs, food critics, influencers, and regulators, fostering networking and cultural exploration.

Additionally, it enjoys sponsorship from key organizations, including the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Bank of Industry, BUA Foods, and Flour Mills Nigeria. The event will feature cultural entertainment and curated art to showcase Nigeria’s rich heritage and African culture, underscoring 3X4 Foods’ commitment to promoting African cuisine’s diversity and connecting industry players and stakeholders. The Lagos Street Food Celebration promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the best of African food, entertainment, culture, and people, with more events to follow.

UNDP-EU Reveals 17 Finalists for Nigeria’s Growth Stage Impact Ventures (GSIV) Program

The UNDP and the European Union (EU) have launched the Growth Stage Impact Ventures (GSIV) program in Nigeria. This initiative identifies enterprises that have developed impactful products and services while achieving commercial success and integrating sustainability into their decisions. Based on insights from the Nigeria SDG Investor Map, 17 finalists from various sectors have been selected for support, training, and access to potential financing. Pricepally is among the 17 finalists shortlisted. Furthermore, they will also participate in the 6th Annual Convening on Impact Investing in Lagos on October 31 and November 1, 2023.

We have come to the end of September food news. We hope you enjoyed reading it.