The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to food systems in South-West Nigeria in 2020. Movement restrictions and regulated market access exacerbated food insecurity among vulnerable populations. Farmers faced significant losses due to surplus produce and limited storage capacity, while consumers struggled with restricted access to essential goods.
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the pandemic led to a 22% decline in agricultural production in South-West Nigeria, resulting in food shortages and price increases. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that 75% of farmers in the region experienced significant losses due to the pandemic.
In response to these challenges, Fuente Farm Limited diversified into the agricultural sector, aiming to address pressing issues such as food insecurity, low productivity, and limited access to high-quality agricultural produce. Our objective was to promote sustainable farming practices, capacity building, and improve the overall resilience of South-West Nigeria’s food systems.
Key Lessons Learned: Local food systems are crucial for food security: The pandemic highlighted the importance of local food systems in ensuring food availability and access.
a. Diversification is essential: Diversifying food production, processing, and distribution can reduce dependence on a single crop or food source, improving overall food system resilience.
b. Technology can enhance food systems: Digital platforms, online marketplaces, and other technologies can improve farmers’ access to markets, inputs, and information, increasing efficiency and transparency. For instance, Fuente farm Limited‘s digital platform, which connects farmers to markets and inputs, helped reduce transaction costs by 30% and increase farmers’ incomes by 25%.
Future Directions: Building a Resilient Food System in South-West Nigeria
To promote food security and sustainability in South-West Nigeria, we need to continue doing the following:
a. Scale up local food systems
b. Promote diversification and value chain development
c. Leverage technology and digital platforms
d. Build capacity and provide training
