Food is rapidly becoming a luxury in Nigeria, with soaring prices and widespread scarcity.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that year-on-year increases in the prices of staple foods range from 125 percent to 250 percent. Every geopolitical zone in the country faces food security challenges, with staples like beans and gari now out of reach for many.
To address this growing crisis, two non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—Fund-Yes Cooperative and Multi-Life Savers for the Less-Privileged People—have launched the Food4All Initiative. This ambitious program aims to finance and support 40 million smallholder farmers and food entrepreneurs across Nigeria, ensuring quality food is available and affordable.
Key Components of the Food4All Initiative
1. One-Family-One-Farmer Scheme
The intention is to create a national grassroots network of smallholder farmers and food entrepreneurs. By doing so, it tackles food security challenges while generating mass employment and wealth-building opportunities.
2. Food4All Fundraising Campaign
Launched in Lagos on July 27, 2024, the campaign aims to raise $6 billion between 2024 and 2027. The Chief Promoter of the campaign,Comrade Kennedy Iyere holds in clarity the need for a people-driven approach to address Nigeria’s food crisis, citing past government failures due to corruption and lack of sincerity.
3. Global Support and Collaboration
A renowned diplomat, Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo has called on global donors and development partners to support the Food4All campaign. She stressed the importance of both domestic and diaspora Nigerians investing in agricultural and food value chains to contribute to nation-building efforts.
She says:
“I urge global donors and development partners to give their full support to the FOOD4ALL Fundraising Campaign. Nigerians both home and across the diaspora must participate in this nation-building effort. You all must invest in agricultural and food value chains, both in the startups and business growth.”
Government’s Role in Tackling the Food Crisis
While NGOs and other stakeholders play a crucial role, the government must focus on implementing home-grown policies and interventions. These policies should aim to resolve food, economic, and other national challenges sustainably.
The overall goal of the Food4All Initiative is to create, finance, and build a national grassroots network of 20 million smallholder farmers and food entrepreneurs. By doing so, the initiative hopes to make quality food accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
