Multi-sectorial approach, way to improving food systems — Stakeholders

The stakeholders on food systems transformation have advised the Federal Government to adopt multi-sectorial approach in its efforts to combat food system challenges in the country.
They gave the advice on Wednesday at their bi-annual review meeting in Calabar.
They said the development of food systems was critical to national growth, adding that it should be supported and replicated across all levels of government.
The 2-day review meeting which commenced highlighted the importance of food systems to food security, nutrition, health and environmental sustainability.
Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River said at the event that the transformation of food systems towards improving nutrition and height is not negotiable.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, the governor expressed optimism that the current efforts of government would lead to the transformation of food systems in the country.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman, Cross River Planning Commission, Dr Bong Duke, said the state had made efforts to address food system actions across implementing sectors by addressing the basic constrains.
He said such efforts would lead to food availability, accessibility, affordability and desirability.
“A sustainable food systems is capable of delivering food security and nutrition in a manner that does not compromise the economic, social and environmental bases for generating food and nutrition security for further generations.
“In Cross River, we are intentional about the key objective of this administration which aims to make the state with the healthiest citizens by 2027.
“We are aware of the prevailing adverse statistics on food and nutrition indicators and are determined to reduce these indices to the barest minimum,” he said.
On his part, the Sanjo Faniro, National Convenor, United Nations Food System Summit in Nigeria, said there was need for all sectors of the economy to key in for success in food systems to be achieved.
He said that food systems was beyond agriculture, and demanded the cooperation and collaboration of all for food systems to be complete.
“Food systems will drive nutrition to conclusion in Nigeria and there is need for all states of the federation and local governments to key into this.
“This will not only improve productivity, it will boost income as well as create employment opportunities.” he said.