The African Development Bank (AfDB) has sought to introduce technology, supported by the right policy environment and investment, to transform agricultural productivity to ensure food security for Africans.
This is despite development banks revealing that demand for wheat in Africa has soared to more than 75 million tonnes, highlighting the critical need for strategic investment and innovation in the sector. There is.
This was the focus of discussion at the ongoing West and Central Africa Wheat Summit 2024, which began in Abuja on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
In the keynote address, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, represented by Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director General of Nigeria, highlighted the transformative potential of technology in agriculture.
“The use of technology, supported by the right policy environment and investment, has transformed agricultural productivity in many countries and ensured food security for their populations,” he said.
“With the introduction of mechanization, agricultural techniques, irrigation systems, high-yielding crop varieties, and innovative techniques in conservation agriculture, cotton production has increased by 300 percent in Brazil’s Cerrado savannah. Over the past 20 years, maize production has increased by 150 percent. , soybeans increased by 75 percent.
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“This has made Brazil a major source of food exports in the world today. Similarly, the adoption of technology, if supported by the right policies, could help West Africa and other countries, including climate change, limited access to finance, and post-harvest losses. We can address the problems faced by farmers in Central Africa.
“Agricultural technology can therefore help promote food security in a sustainable manner in the region. Twenty years ago, Africa’s total wheat consumption was around 25 million tonnes; this has recently increased to 75 million tonnes. It has increased by more than a ton,” he added.
Citing a comparison with India, Adesina said, “Poor Indian farmers have now become exemplary multi-millionaire farmers.”
The summit brought together luminaries under the theme “Policy priorities, innovative technologies, and investments in wheat transformation for sustainable food security and economies in West and Central Africa.”
“West and Central Africa imports more than 80 percent of its wheat. This dependence undermines food security and economic stability,” Adesina said.
Key stakeholders from across the continent came together to address challenges and opportunities in wheat production and chart a sustainable path forward.
He stressed that “the transformation of our country’s wheat sector offers immense potential for sustainable food security and economic growth.”
He said the dramatic increase in wheat consumption was due to several factors, including population growth and changing dietary preferences.
He pointed out that “per capita wheat consumption in West and Central Africa is now over 20 kg.”
The summit also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts towards achieving national wheat self-sufficiency.
“The African Development Bank is pleased that Nigeria has begun its journey towards achieving national wheat self-sufficiency,” Adesina said.
Dominic Kouaku, country director of the Food and Agriculture Organization of Nigeria, echoed the call for private sector involvement.
“We need to encourage private sector participation and large-scale efforts to achieve meaningful results,” he stressed, and affirmed FAO’s commitment to support the Government’s efforts.
Professor Benjamin Ubi, Regional Coordinator of the West and Central Africa Wheat Development Network, elaborated on the rationale behind the summit.
“Wheat plays a critical role in global food security and Africa’s economic growth,” he said.
He emphasized the need for cooperation among stakeholders.
“The widening gap between wheat demand and supply is being driven by urbanization and evolving food preferences,” he said.
Ubi said the summit aims to influence policymakers to prioritize wheat production and transformation across the region.
He added that expected outcomes include establishing policy reforms, promoting innovative technologies and identifying investment opportunities to strengthen the wheat value chain.
Babajide Okeowo
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