By Iyabo Adebisi
Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has criticized the $50 billion spent yearly by African nations on importing food that could be grown locally, urging a shift in the continent’s agricultural narrative.
He made these remarks during a panel discussion at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, in Ibadan, as part of his visit to Nigeria to explore collaborative opportunities between the two countries.
President Maada Bio while stressing the significance of innovation, technology, infrastructural development said Africa would be a great continent if it was investing 50 billion dollars yearly on agriculture instead of importing food that could be grown locally.
He said unless Africa act concertedly, its people will continue to suffer hunger in the midst of plenty, while urging leaders to allocate and efficiently utilise resources set aside for the agricultural sector.
Also, speaking, Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde stressed the importance of exploring local solutions, while also calling for public-private partnerships, which could help to increase production and expand value chains.
On his part, Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum explained that the suspension of USAID funds by the US government is a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders to enhance their capacity and strengthen Africa through local mechanization and technological deployment in the agricultural sector.
Former World Bank Vice President, Hafez Gbanem noted that low-income countries allocate insufficient funds to agriculture and food security.
Mr Gbanem then tasked African leaders to foster regional economic ties, create policies supporting local farmers, and mobilize domestic resources to reduce reliance on foreign financial assistance.
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