The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s persistent food insecurity, despite the country’s abundant agricultural potential.
Speaking at the 111th Inaugural Lecture of the university, themed “Farming System in Nigeria: Wallowing in Food Security Amid Abundance,” Prof. Ndaeyo pointed out the irony of a country that grows a wide variety of crops but still struggles to feed its population.
“There is an abundance of food in Nigeria, yet we do not have food security. This contradiction highlights the systemic challenges facing the sector,” he said.
As an expert in farming systems agronomy, Prof. Ndaeyo has spent years researching effective farming methods—focusing on bush clearing, soil fertility, and crops like maize, yam, cassava, okra, and onions. Still, he noted, the nation is far from achieving its food security goals.
He attributed the issue to outdated practices and a lack of mechanization in the sector. According to him, Nigeria needs to move beyond simply expanding farmland and focus on increasing yields through modern, intensive farming techniques.
“We cannot continue relying on extensification—merely expanding farmland—while ignoring intensification, which focuses on increasing yield per hectare through improved techniques and technology,” he emphasized.
Prof. Ndaeyo acknowledged that recent government efforts are a step in the right direction, but emphasized that real progress would depend on strong policy reforms and better management of resources.
Referencing Proverbs 12:11, he encouraged Nigerians to embrace diligence and sustainable agricultural practices.
“We must harness our God-given agro-resources efficiently. With 36.9 million hectares of arable land and a population of over 200 million, Nigeria has all it takes to be food-secure,” he said.
He rounded off his lecture by advocating for increased mechanization, sustainable land development, and more efficient crop production strategies—steps he believes are essential to closing the country’s food security gap.
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