Food is important to everyone because it provides nourishment and energy for our daily activities. Despite its importance, a lot of people have little to no access to food in Nigeria.

The Nigerian food system, an intricate web of activities involving the production, processing, transportation, and consumption of food crops, is affected by a myriad of issues, including the governance and economics of food production, its sustainability, the degree to which we waste food, how food production affects the natural environment and the impact of food on individual and population health.

Nigeria, with its massive population, has the potential to achieve food security and transform its food systems, if youths get more involved in agriculture.

Getting involved as a youth in food production is not just about going to a farmland to till the ground. It is about agro education, incorporating business into agriculture, producing food crops for sustainable development, planning to make a positive impact in the community you reside in, and being consistent with good agricultural practices.

Imagine if one youth or young person from all the families in the thirty-six states of the federation decide to be involved in some form of agribusiness and agriculture. It may be seed planting, tilling, ploughing, farm cultivation, or the rearing of livestock, aquaculture, poultry, etc. The effects of this action would be far reaching. The goal would be to actively engage youths in agricultural methods, which will in time develop a sustainable food system for the populace.

This would improve our food reserves considerably, hunger will be reduced, and it will bring us a step closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, making sure all people–especially children–have sufficient and nutritious food all year. This involves promoting sustainable agricultural practices, supporting small-scale farmers and providing equal access to land, technology and markets. It also requires international cooperation to ensure investment in infrastructure and technology to improve agricultural productivity.

In reality, it would be a step in the right direction for Nigerian youths to focus on agriculture to improve our food systems. The government has a role to play as well. It could implement policies to help the rural farmers, reduce the cost of agricultural inputs and increase their access to agricultural loans. The government can also supply seedlings, subsidize fruits, vegetables, legumes for consumers who buy agricultural produce.

Aside the people who are currently in the business of farming, youths need to be sensitized on the benefits of engaging in agriculture to boost the economy. The United Nations International Youth Day supports youthful inclusion in agriculture. The theme for this year is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, which recognises the fact that food systems cannot be transformed without the meaningful participation of young people.

It is imperative, therefore, to devise strategies to attract youths to the agricultural sector, for a transformed food system.

Reginald Onabu, Researcher and Public Relations Officer, Writes from Lagos.