Abuja, Nigeria.
The Sahel Food Systems Changemakers Conference, an annual event organised by Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited and African Food Changemakers is scheduled for the 24th of October 2024, at 9 AM at the Abuja Continental Hotel. This year’s conference will convene a diverse array of stakeholders from the food ecosystem to address critical issues surrounding food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
Under the theme “Innovative Governance Models: A Pathway to Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria,” the conference aims to tackle governance challenges faced by both public and private sectors. Participants will explore successful practical models implemented across Africa, seeking innovative strategies tailored to Nigeria’s unique context.
In the words of the Managing Partner of Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, Mr. Temi Adegoroye, emphasised the conference’s urgency in relation to the food crisis in Nigeria. “This year, we aim to identify innovative governance models that can effectively address the food security crisis in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, we can work towards a sustainable and resilient food system.”
The conference will feature insights from esteemed partners, including German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Chemonics, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Mercy Corps, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Heifer International. Stakeholders will share their expertise and initiatives aimed at enhancing food and nutrition systems while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, stated, “Through collective action, partnering with governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and local communities, we can transform food systems in Nigeria and the Sahel region.”
Kate Maldonado, Agriculture and Food Security Practice Lead at Chemonics International highlighted the importance of collaboration: “This conference presents a unique opportunity to unite diverse stakeholders in addressing some of the most pressing challenges within our food systems today.”
Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director of GAIN Nigeria, added, “Governance is crucial for the transformation of food systems, and we are eager to engage in discussions about the role of data in enhancing coordination across the food systems landscape.”
Ifeanyi Chukwudi, Head of Development Programme at the CJID, explained that the organisation works to enhance transparency, accountability and sustainable development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He added: “We do this through research, in-depth journalism, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Hence, as a media innovation and development think-tank, the Sahel Food Systems Changemakers Conference aligns perfectly with our mission to deepen sustainable development discourse, including promoting food security through innovative governance.”
Meanwhile, Ndubisi Anyanwu, the Country Director of Mercy Corps, disclosed: “At the Sahel Food Systems Changemakers Conference, we will share how initiatives like Rural Resilience Activity (RRA), capacity building and market development strategies have empowered local farmers and entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and improve their livelihoods.”
The Country Director of IFPRI, Kwaw Andam, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to bringing its expertise in agriculture to the fore at the conference. “We are bringing IFPRI’s expertise on agriculture, which has proven to be crucial to Nigeria’s overall economy.”
Dr. Lekan Tobe, the Country Director of Heifer International, Nigeria explained that the conference will give the organisation an opportunity to share practical insights regarding its programmes around women empowerment and youth employment in Nigeria.
Call to Action:
We invite all stakeholders in agriculture and food systems – policymakers, civil societies, and the media – to attend the Sahel Food Systems Changemakers Conference. Come ready to share, connect, and work with others on sustainable, innovative solutions for Nigeria’s food and nutrition challenges.
Signed:
Temi Adegoroye,
Managing Partner, Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Limited
