There’s a saying in Yoruba land, in southwestern Nigeria: “Once food is taken out of poverty, the shame of it disappears.” Regrettably, Africa has done the opposite, building food systems that feed the world, while leaving its own people hungry. Nigeria, a country that produced 5.6 million metric tonnes of rice in 2024, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, plans to import over 2.3 million metric tonnes more during the 2024/2025 marketing year. While warehouses in Kebbi State overflow with paddy awaiting processors
There’s a saying in Yoruba land, in southwestern Nigeria: “Once food is taken out of poverty, the shame of it disappears.” Regrettably, Africa has done the opposite, building food systems that feed the world, while leaving its own people hungry. Nigeria, a country that produced 5.6 million metric tonnes of rice in 2024, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, plans to import over 2.3 million metric tonnes more during the 2024/2025 marketing year. While warehouses in Kebbi State overflow with paddy awaiting processors