In a bid to tackle the burden of malnutrition and hidden hunger in Nigeria, the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) has partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to hold its Senior Policy Seminar (SPS) on agriculture to discuss ways to increase micro-nutrients in most staple foods in the country.
The seminar which is scheduled to take place from March 9th –10th, 2020 in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, is unique, as it brings senior policymakers from sub-Saharan African countries together with economic researchers to share knowledge and debate on urgent policy issues relating to the sustainable development of African economies.
Innocent Matshe, director of training, AERC stated that the seminar was going to be highly impactful for all participants.
“The importance of agriculture and food policies towards positive nutrition outcomes for all Africans is vital to sustain and grow economies as we move into a new decade,” Matshe said.
“With our unique approach of bringing topic-matter research experts in the field of agriculture and nutrition together with senior policymakers across the continent, we believe the discussions and debates will help countries across the region begin to implement policies to foster and support this sector,” he said.
“Also, to help policymakers learn from each other through shared knowledge around policy successes and failures,” he added.
This year, the focus of the AERC seminal is on Agriculture and Food Policies for Nutrition in Africa – addressing agricultural growth patterns, the burden of malnutrition, diet diversities, climate-smart agricultural practices, market access, food security and the effect of agriculture on health and nutrition among others.
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The two-day seminar will feature four synthesis papers and a policy roundtable discussion featuring noted researchers and policymakers globally.
Since 2016, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, AERC has implemented several research activities under the Analysis of the Impact of Agricultural, Food and Nutrition Policies on Nutrition Outcomes in Africa (AFPON) programme.
This research is aimed at linking agricultural policies to various nutrition outcomes such as stunting, wasting, anemia, child mortality, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and malnutrition.
It also examines how gender access to productive agricultural resources, such as land, affects the nutrition of individuals and households in sub-Saharan African countries; how agricultural productivity, agricultural extension, and advisory services affect nutrition outcomes and establishing the policies and practices that would best improve food security and nutritional status.
