A group, International Fertilizer Development Centre, has launched an initiative ‘Soil Values’, to fight against food crisis in Africa, News About Nigeria reports.
The center’s programme director, Bidjokazo Fofana, made this known during the pre-launch of the ‘Soil Values’ in Abuja, on Monday.
He noted that the initiative is aimed at fighting the degradation and desertification of lands in the region and improving watershed management through adequate planning, effective integration of soil, water, and biodiversity.
Earlier in 2023, the centre which focuses on food and agriculture stated that at least 26.5 million Nigerians may face a food crisis between June and August 2024.
The organisation noted that Borno, Sokoto, and Zamfara, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were at a bigger risk of the crisis.
It further noted that four African countries, including Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic have collectively invested €100 million which will be used to boost the agricultural resilience of small-scale food producers in the Sahel region.
The organisation’s country representative, Dominique Kouacou, however, maintained that the reoccurrence of insecurity situations in Nigeria such as insurgency, banditry, and high costs of food and agricultural products, have contributed to inflation and food insecurity in the country.
He gave the assurance that the programme will bring together, various donor communities to seek ways through which additional funding can be made.
“The programme will convene various donor communities to explore avenues for additional funding, benefiting not only Sahelian countries but also the broader regional and international community.
“The €100 million budget was divided among the four countries, with Nigeria investing €40 million, and Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic each investing €20 million,” he stated.
