—–Experts
By Onwa Ekor, Calabar.
As the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar holds its first International Conference at the ASUU Secretariat, experts have called for appropriate technology as panacea for food security.
The conference which had as its theme, “Food security through innovation: Bridging technology with traditional farming,” drew farmers, agronomists, industry professionals, government representatives and students, to reinforce the importance of an inclusive approach towards tackling agricultural challenges.
Lead Presenter at the event and Head, value chain development of Flour Mills of Nigeria, Dr. Aliyu Samaila, said “technology is important for the development of agriculture and bridging local methods with technology is key but, we have to be careful not just any technology, but appropriate technology.”
Giving instances of some South-East Asian countries including Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia, he advised that small holders farmers in Nigeria should go for appropriate and adequate technology for their own holdings in order to increase their productivity and improve efficiency, instead of complex technology.
“When they outgrow by increasing the size of their holdings, they can now aim for bigger and more complex technology, but they need to start from somewhere and the time to start is now,” he explained.
Samaila who doubles as the National program manager (Wheat development program) for the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, added that every stakeholder has to play a role as the Nigerian population is increasing and growing at the rate of three percent per annum.
“In 33 years, we would double our population and it means that we have to, not only grow more food but grow it efficiently, so no matter what, the world will require food and experts in agriculture, so the students here have a future, not just a future but a bright future, it all depends on how they use it, utilize it and be proud of the profession they are in,” Samaila added.
Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Prof Susana Ohen, disclosed that the conference which is the first in the history of the Faculty, remains part of academic activities where research findings are displayed and trending issues discussed, intimating also that 68 papers were submitted at the conference.
She explained that the conference presents a platform to address challenges while leveraging diverse expertise as well as collaborative synergy to chart a more secure and sustainable agricultural future.
“We must improve agriculture in order to increase productivity. If we do not combine traditional and technology or new improve, we will not be able to achieve food security,” Ohen emphasized.
To small holder farmers, the Dean said, “keep doing what you are doing and do it better, add a little bit of technology and we will have food for everyone and at all time.”
Continuing, Ohen noted that “by integrating local knowledge with cutting- edge science and policy intervention, we can co-create solutions that are not only impactful but also sustainable and equitable.”
For Cross River Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, “to tackle issues of food insecurity, blending old and new ideas, innovation and technology are needed in the agricultural space.”
He maintained that only these would build resilience, accelerate the food production and management systems to ensure everyone has access to quality and nutritious food.
Ebokpo reasoned that the future of food security depends largely on the integration of innovation with the rich heritage of traditional farming, as only when these two systems are brought together that solutions can be created for no one to go hungry.
According to the Commissioner, “Bridging technology with traditional farming is not about replacing one with the other, but combining the strengths of both systems thus creating a resilient and equitable agri food system capable of feeding present and future generations.”
