The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has highlighted a significant issue in Nigeria's agricultural sector, with approximately 50% of fresh produce being lost at the post-harvest stage. This revelation was made by the Mission Director, Melissa Jones, during the "1st Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition" in Abuja. Jones attributed these losses as a contributing factor to Nigeria's escalating food inflation, which hit 40.01% in March 2024. She urged for a collaborative effort among stakeholders to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.
Addressing the conference, Jones outlined the United States' strategy to bolster food security in Nigeria, focusing on the rice, maize, and horticulture value chains across six states. This plan is in line with President Joe Biden's commitment to enhancing food security in the country. Jones expressed USAID's readiness to partner with the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) to advance technology and infrastructure that would reduce post-harvest losses.
Highlighting the importance of the conference, Jones pointed out the urgency in addressing food insecurity, especially with the food price inflation rate soaring above 40% amid a rising cost of living in Nigeria. Furthermore, Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), emphasized the need to shift focus towards post-harvest activities, which have been largely neglected, despite their importance in ensuring food security.
Source: nairametrics.com