Blessing Ngozi Okezie is an entrepreneur and an agriculturist. In this interview with Ngozi Okpalakunne, she spoke on the reason Nigeria is facing acute food insecurity and how the country can achieve adequate food productivity and security. During the interview, she also spoke on the cause of malnutrition among the young ones and the dangers associated with the condition. Okezie, who also is the CEO of N-Divine Delicacy, spoke on other issues of national interest. Excerpts:
As an agriculturist, what do you think is responsible for acute food shortage Nigeria is currently facing and how can the country achieve adequate food productivity and security?
Food insecurity in Nigeria is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to it. One of the reasons for food shortage is low agricultural productivity. Nigeria’s agricultural sector is largely characterised with small-scale farming, outdated practices, and inadequate use of technology, leading to low yields and productivity. Another reason is soil degradation. In this case, soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and salinisation have reduced the fertility and productivity of Nigerian soils, making it harder to achieve optimal crop yields. Then the issue of climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events have impacted crop growth, yields, and quality. There is also inadequate irrigation. Limited access to irrigation facilities has hindered farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change and improve crop yields. On the other hand, post-harvest losses inadequate storage, processing, and transportation infrastructure lead to significant losses of produce, further exacerbating food insecurity. To address these challenges, there is need for the country to adopt climate-smart agriculture. There is also need to implement practices like conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and precision agriculture to improve soil health, water management, and crop resilience. Government and stakeholders in agriculture sector need to develop and rehabilitate irrigation schemes to enhance farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change. To achieve adequate food productivity, there is also need to promote mechanisation and technology as well as encourage the adoption of tractors, drones, and other precision farming tools.
Government should also enhance extension services. Government at all levels should provide training, advisory services, and support to farmers on best practices, new technologies. Development of value chains will also enhance efficiency in productivity. The country should invest in processing, storage to reduce post-harvest losses. In addition, Ministry of Agriculture should encourage the production of a diverse range of crops, including staple crops, vegetables, and fruits, to improve food availability and nutrition.
The present administration should address conflict and displacement in the country and work towards resolving conflicts and supporting displaced farmers to regain their livelihoods. Implementing these strategies will require a collaborative effort from the government, private sector, farmers, and other stakeholders. By working together, Nigeria can improve its agricultural productivity, reduce food insecurity, and ensure a more food-secure future.
Report has shown that many infants in the country are malnourished, how can this be tackled?
Malnutrition is a significant public health concern in Nigeria, and tackling it requires a multi-faceted approach. To address this issue, there is need for promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as breast milk provides optimal nutrition for infants. Also mothers should be educated on appropriate complementary feeding practices. Mothers of child bearing age should focus on maternal nutrition, as well-nourished mother is more likely to have a healthy, well-nourished baby.
What do you think is the reason some child bearing mothers of today prefer to feed their new born with artificial milk instead of breast milk?
To start with, breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants, providing perfect mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It offers numerous benefits, which includes, boosting immune system and development, enhancing brain development and cognitive function, supporting healthy weight gain. Adequate intake of breast milk by infant reduces risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases, mostly fostering bonding and emotional development. However, many young mothers face challenges breastfeeding their babies due to ignorance, most of them are not aware of the importance, they lack support and guidance.
Take for instance, in my years of child bearing, during the anti natal sections midwives take their time to teach and counsel young mothers, so awareness was created, we were well informed, it helped us a long way. But, today it’s not the same again, many young mothers want to maintain their body shape, they do not want their breasts to fall and they are doing this to the detriment of their new born.
When an infant is not properly breast fed, it exposes such infant to the risk of respiratory infections, diarrhea, and ear infections. Other health implications are high likelihood of allergies and asthma, potential link to obesity and diabetes which is very common now. It lowers cognitive development affecting academic achievement among others.
Report has shown that feeding new-born with artificial milk denies them of mothers affectionate love and care. It retards the child’s emotional and psychological growth, making most of them inhuman in their behaviour. Take for instance, a child fed by housemaid or school aunty will always experience beating and shouting especially when such child does not want to drink the artificial milk. Such child however, grows up as a neglected, embittered, angry and no emotions. Such condition makes them grow up as a wicked adult, who knows nothing about love, kindness or care; they can kill and not feel bad because they didn’t experience love and care. Love and care no doubt, come only from their mother during breastfeeding, that was why God in His infinite wisdom puts breast close to the heart of mothers as they are breastfeeding, the baby is hearing her mother’s heart beats. Such child grew up remembering her mother always holding her close to her chest, playing, praying, among others, all these the child fed with feeding bottle will not experience. Unfortunately, 70 percent of our young youths today fall into this category; that is why murder, killing, rituals are on the increase today. So, if mothers can breastfeed their children with human milk not animal milk, it will reduce the high rate of terrorism, killings, kidnappings, murder, rituals and other ills in the society.
What are the major challenges facing small scale industries in Nigeria?
Insufficient capital and high interest rates have been the major factors affecting the growth of small scale industries. Others include poor roads, irregular power supply, and limited storage facilities. Asides, we in the industry are still facing competition with established brands and prices. There are also bureaucratic hurdles, licences, taxes here and there just to suffocate the small scale businesses. Going further to manpower, there is skilled labour shortage, limited access to trained and experienced workers. Our young youths are not ready to acquire skills. They are only interested in making money through yahoo and other fraudulent activities. Unless this impression is corrected urgently, the future of the coming generation is at stake. To support small-scale industries, government should provide affordable financing options, such as soft loans, grants, and subsidies. Government should also invest in infrastructural development. The government should reduce tax burdens and provide support for local entrepreneurs; this will not only grow their businesses, but also boost the nation’s economy.
Many foreign investors are leaving the country because of the current economic crisis. What is the implication of this on the economy?
The mass exit of investors from our country has severe implication on the nation’s economy such as, capital flight, this simply means large-scale withdrawal of funds, leading to a significant decrease in investment and reduction in economic activities. As you can see this has caused loss of confidence on the economy, discouraging new investment and exacerbating the economic downturn.
To address this, the government has to implement business-friendly policies, foster a supportive environment for investment.
The government should also invest in infrastructure development, upgrade transportation, energy, and Information Technology.
