A Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ibadan, Professor M. K. Yahaya has submitted that reclaiming indigenous knowledge systems, promoting local food production, and reducing dependency on imported food commodities are essential components of achieving food security in a decolonised context.
Professor Yahaya, therefore, recommended the promotion of creative strategies focused on the rich heritage of Nigerian indigenous foods and agricultural methods.
He called for honouring of the land with policies and strategies that promote self-reliance, sustainability, and resilience within its food systems.
He made these submissions while delivering the second part of the University Lecture of the University of Ibadan on behalf of the Faculty of Agriculture.
Professor Yahaya said decolonisation of food security involves the restructuring of food systems to address historical injustices and inequalities while ensuring that all communities have access to nutritious food.
He said family farms are the foundation of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, which are essential in diminishing the nation’s reliance on food imports and attaining food self-sufficiency, resulting in an enhancement of the average agricultural production.
The Agricultural Extension Scientist lamented that the focus of colonial policies on cash crops like cocoa and palm oil for export undermined local food systems which resulted in a prolonged disruption of Nigeria’s food sovereignty.
He said the enduring impacts of colonialism, along with subsequent mismanagement in the post-colonial era, have intensified issues of food insecurity and poverty, which persistently affect both rural and urban communities in Nigeria today.
Professor Yahaya noted that in recent times, a number of national, state, and private initiatives have emerged that qualify for description as agents of decolonisation.
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He listed some emerging champions and shining examples of the initiatives as the Presidential Endorsement for Reforms in the Livestock Sector of Nigeria, Niger State’s Visionary Leadership, Borno State Food Security Agenda, Sebore Farms Dairy Program, Oyo State Agribusiness Model amongst others.
The University Lecturer noted that some states have enhanced agricultural output and decreased reliance on food imports by providing local farmers with inputs including seeds, fertilisers, and mechanisation.
He stated that with emphasis on local food production, a more robust food system, adept at enduring external shocks such as variations in global food prices or interruptions in international commerce, will be fostered.
Professor Yahaya said the emerging champions have contributed to the transformation of agriculture through village level infrastructure, promotion of rural development and youth empowerment, capacity building and education, enhanced market access, economic growth and development, employment creation and ensuring stable food production.
Professor Yahaya, however, advocated changes in laws, regulations, and practices at local, national, and global levels to create food systems that prioritise food sovereignty, land and resource justice, agro-ecology and sustainable agriculture and equitable food distribution and access for marginalized groups.
He further called for community-driven research and innovation strategies, research conducted in partnership with local farmers, indigenous peoples, and marginalized groups to ensure that solutions are culturally appropriate and grounded in local realities.
Professor Yahaya identified multi-sectoral pathways to achieve poverty mitigation imbedded in multi-faceted dimensions as agro-ecological practices, land rights and access, community- led initiatives, education and capacity building, policy advocacy, diversification of food sources, social safety nets, strengthening of supply chains, research and innovation and collaboration across sectors.
The University Lecture was the forty-fifth in the series of University Lectures at the University of Ibadan.
The broad title of the three-part lecture is: Decolonising Food Security for Enduring Multi-Sectoral Pathways to Poverty Mitigation in Nigeria.
The three sub-themes are:
● Colonisation of Nigerian Agriculture and its Consequences
●Decolonisation of Food Security and Emerging Champions
●Multi – Sectoral Options in Decolonisation of Food Security in Nigeria
The delivery of the University Lecture marks the end of the inaugural lecture series for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Also in attendance at the inaugural lecture is the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umar Bago.
