By Gbenga Olukosi
As the world commemorates two significant international days World Food Day on October 16th and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17th there is an urgent need to address the interconnected crises of food insecurity and poverty.
Both issues threaten the well-being of millions globally, and in Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire. Rising food inflation, driven by economic instability, climate change, and other global factors, has made access to affordable food increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
This reality highlights the need for collective action toward eradicating poverty and promoting food security.
This month of October, Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI) in an innovative partnership with TPO Foundation has given out more than 4,000 free chickens to empower grassroot communities in Ilorin Kwara State, while the program still continues with the arrangements to give out more chickens and fishes to people till the month of November.
This is in the effort to beat food inflation, eradicate poverty and enhance the livelihood of the people.
The State of Food Insecurity and ShortageIn Nigeria, food insecurity is a growing challenge, worsened by climate change, conflicts, and poor infrastructure.
According to the World Food Programme, millions of Nigerians face acute food shortages. Factors such as extreme weather conditions, including droughts and floods, have disrupted agricultural productivity.
At the same time, global economic fluctuations have led to rising food prices, making basic necessities unattainable for vulnerable populations.
The rising cost of staples such as rice, maize, and yams has plunged many families deeper into poverty.The lack of access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food is a primary driver of malnutrition, stunted growth in children, and increased mortality rates.
In rural areas, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, farmers struggle with low yields, post-harvest losses, and limited access to markets.
The result is a cycle of poverty that exacerbates food insecurity, especially in regions already facing socio-economic challenges.
The Importance of Food and the Need to Eradicate PovertyFood is a fundamental human right. It fuels the body, enables productivity, and sustains life.
Beyond sustenance, food security contributes to social stability, economic growth, and overall development.
When people have consistent access to nutritious food, they are better able to focus on education, work, and innovation. Thus, food insecurity does not only affect individual health it cripples economies and hinders national progress.
To eradicate poverty, we must first address food insecurity. Access to affordable food empowers communities to rise above the poverty line.
When people can afford to eat, they can focus on other aspects of life—such as education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship that contribute to breaking the poverty cycle.
Food security is, therefore, the cornerstone of any sustainable poverty eradication strategy.Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI) Role in Beating Food Inflation and Empowering CommunitiesAt the Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI), we are committed to tackling food inflation, enhancing food security, and empowering communities across Nigeria.
Our approach focuses on long-term solutions to combat food insecurity and poverty through various initiatives:
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI) promotes sustainable farming practices that increase agricultural productivity while reducing the environmental impact.
By training farmers in climate-smart techniques such as agroforestry, irrigation management, and organic farming, we help boost yields despite the challenges posed by climate change.
These techniques also make farmers more resilient to unpredictable weather patterns, ensuring that food production remains stable year-round.
- Empowering Farmers and Communities: We believe that empowerment is the key to poverty eradication.
Through capacity-building programs, Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI) provides farmers with the knowledge and tools to improve their productivity and access to markets.
This enables them to generate higher incomes, thereby reducing their dependence on external aid.
- Advocating for Food Security: Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI) actively engages in advocacy efforts to promote policies that support food security and combat inflation.
We work with policymakers, communities, and other stakeholders to push for reforms that ensure equitable access to resources, fair pricing for agricultural products, and the development of infrastructure to support food distribution.
- Combating Food Waste: Food waste contributes to the rising cost of food.Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI) is leading efforts to reduce post-harvest losses through improved storage techniques and distribution networks.
By minimizing waste, we can make more food available at affordable prices, helping to stabilize the market and beat inflation.
The Gravity of the Crisis and the Way ForwardIf left unchecked, the combined crises of food insecurity and poverty will continue to destabilize communities, undermine economic progress, and contribute to social unrest.
Rising food prices disproportionately affect low-income families, pushing them further into poverty and limiting their opportunities for upward mobility.
At Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI), we understand that addressing these challenges requires a holistic, multi-pronged approach. We are proud of the strides we have made in empowering communities, promoting sustainable farming, and advocating for policies that enhance food security.
However, the road ahead is long, and we remain committed to our mission of building a more food-secure and poverty-free Nigeria.
As we reflect on the importance of food security and poverty eradication during these global observances, we invite everyone governments, organizations, and individuals to join hands in combating food inflation and empowering people.
Together, we can create a world where food is accessible to all, and poverty is eradicated from our society.
To learn more about GGI’s work and how we are making a difference, visit our social media channels: Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/ggiclimate?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXNoZHN3bXp1NDF1eQ== YouTube – https://youtube.com/@ggiclimaterestoration?si=2WrATpkgj7JxPnQX Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/share/14eRZVicbA/?mibextid=qi2Omg Twitter/X – https://x.com/ggiclimate?t=_zzI6ZJ2IaevTGHMxRpSdw&s=
Gbenga Olukosi Content Lead, Green-Climate Restoration Goal Initiative (GGI)
