The Faculty of Agriculture at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, has held its first-ever International Conference focused on addressing Nigeria’s growing food insecurity challenges.
Speaking at the event, Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Chris Osakwe, pointed out that food insecurity in Nigeria is driven by multiple factors, including climate change, rising population, outdated farming practices, and economic instability.
The conference, themed “Building Resilience Against Hunger: Addressing Nigeria’s Food Insecurity Challenges,” served as a platform to reflect on the urgent need for sustainable agricultural solutions.
“Agriculture is more than an economic activity. It is the heartbeat of rural communities, the bedrock of national stability, and the pathway to sustainable development,” Onyeme said. “For Delta State, ensuring food security is not just a goal, but a strategic priority.”
Practical Solutions from the University
Vice Chancellor Prof. Ben Oghojafor emphasized that food insecurity has become a serious national concern and must involve collective effort. He proposed a simple starting point:
“The solution is to own a farm,” he said.
To back this vision, the university has made it mandatory for agriculture students to receive hands-on training. Each student in the faculty is assigned a plot of land, while those studying fishery and aquaculture work with fish baskets or tanks to produce fingerlings.
Expert Insights on Policy Change
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Eric Eboh stressed the need for a complete shift in how agricultural policies are developed and implemented. He called for better funding, coordination, and the use of modern technology to break the cycle of food insecurity in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Emmanuel Inoni, welcomed participants, noting that the conference aimed to encourage forward-thinking discussions, innovative research, and the adoption of best practices to enhance food systems in the country.
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