By Azuka Offor
As the world marks World Food Day on Oct. 16, rising food prices and the growing cost of living in Nigeria underscore the urgent need for sustainable food production. For Anambra State, the occasion is a reminder that agricultural potential must translate into affordable food, improved rural livelihoods and lasting prosperity for residents.
The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, has introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening local food production and promoting sustainable farming practices.
These include regenerative agriculture, the establishment of demonstration composting centres and the distribution of economic tree seedlings such as oil palm, coconut, breadfruit (ukwa), bitter kola and kolanut. The initiatives are intended to improve soil health, reduce dependence on costly farm inputs and create long-term income opportunities for rural households.
The ministry’s Farm to Feed campaign encourages backyard gardening and small scale urban farming, enabling households to grow vegetables and other short-cycle crops to supplement their diets and reduce food expenses.
In addition, farmers’ rallies, food fairs and agricultural exhibitions provide opportunities for farmers, processors and traders to showcase local produce, exchange ideas and connect with potential buyers.
However, achieving food security requires more than distributing seedlings and encouraging household gardens. Smallholder farmers need access to improved seeds, affordable financing, secure land and appropriate farming equipment to increase productivity and expand their operations.
Investment in rural roads, solar-powered cold storage and local processing facilities is equally important. Better infrastructure would help reduce post-harvest losses, improve the movement of produce to markets and strengthen the connection between farmers and consumers.
Women and young people must also be central to agricultural development through access to modern farming technology, training, mechanisation and funding. Making agriculture more profitable can create jobs, attract young entrepreneurs and strengthen rural economies.
As Anambra joins the global community to commemorate World Food Day, the real measure of progress should go beyond policy announcements and public events. Success must be reflected in increased food production, better incomes for farmers, reduced food waste and more affordable prices in local markets.
Ultimately, agricultural development must put food on the tables of ordinary families. Anambra’s journey towards food security will depend on sustained investment, practical support for farmers and policies that make nutritious food accessible to everyone.
Azuka Offor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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