By Doris Obinna
Nutrition experts have tasked Nigerians on the importance of adequate consumption of protein-rich foods to ensure productivity and sustainability for the future. They spoke at the Right To Protein Nigeria Conference, recently, in Lagos.
Regional director, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (SAASSA), USSEC, Kevin Roepke, noted that the event’s focus on “Protein for a Sustainable Tomorrow and Nutrition Security,” underscores the past four editions of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) reports’ humbling reality, just seven years away from 2030, with the distance to especially reach the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) 2 target of ‘Zero Hunger’ growing wider each year:
“So, at this critical juncture, where do we stand now? And what can be done to help us build forward better and put us on track to achieving Zero Hunger?
“When transformed with greater resilience to major drivers, including conflict, climate variability and other extremes like economic slowdowns and downturns, food systems can provide affordable healthy diets that are sustainable and inclusive, and become a powerful driving force towards ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms, for all.
“Ensuring access to adequate and nutritious food for every individual is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide still suffer from malnutrition and lack access to a diverse and balanced diet. By focusing on protein sources that are sustainable, affordable, and accessible, we can make significant strides towards achieving nutrition security for all.”
In her keynote presentation, a fellow of the West African College of Physicians and the current acting head of the department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Osun (UNIOSUN), Dr. Olubukola Omobuwa, noted that nutrition is a critical part of health and development, adding that people with adequate nutrition are more productive and can create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger.
She explained that malnutrition is known to contribute to about 50 per cent of deaths among children under the age of five in Nigeria.
Highlighting the importance of proteins to human beings, Omobuwa urged Nigerians to take in at least 53.8g of protein daily as recommended by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO); adding that complete proteins are those which contain all essential amino acids, such as animal products, soy and quince
According to Omobuwa, besides its numerous health benefits, protein consumption contributes significantly to economic development by promoting sustainable farming practices and supporting small-scale farmers can boost productivity, generate income, and thus contribute to improved lives and livelihood and poverty reduction.
“Protein consumption can also promote food security by causing an increase in demand and diversifying protein sources beyond the traditional options to reduce reliance on a few staple crops and so mitigate the risks of crop failure due to climate change or pests.”
Other ways promoting consumption can engender a sustainable tomorrow for Nigeria is by employing sustainable protein production methods to minimize the environmental impact associated with traditional farming practices, promoting agroecology, organic farming, and sustainable aquaculture techniques by reducing the use of harmful chemicals and reducing carbon footprint thereby mitigating climate change.
There was a panel discussion moderated by Centre Coordinator, Yabatech UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre and Lecturer, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Dr Ifeoma Akeredolu. Other panelists were: Roepke; President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Prof. Wasiu Afolabi; Associate Professor of Nutrition, Department of Home Economics, Lagos State University of Education, Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos, Dr Beatrice Oganah Ikujenyo, and Group Managing Director, Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd., Dr Ayoola Oduntan.
The interactive discourse deep dive into accessible sources of plant & animal-based proteins, increasing protein consumption and its effect on health, productivity, impact on ensuring a sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa at large and ultimately, ensuring that everyone has an actual right to protein.
There were also presentations by the conference partners; Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd and West African Soy Industries Ltd (WASIL).
One of the unique features of the conference was the Nutrition Workshop by a nutritionist, Chief Executive Officer of Spectra Industries Ltd, Durodola Kuteyi, and a chef, Nkiruka Asika, Creative Director of Food Empire.
Participants were taught how to interpret food labels and understand the nutritional contents of various food items, safe handling, and storage of foods. They were also taught how to incorporate proteins into everyday meals, especially using soybeans.
The Chief Executive Officer, USSEC, Jim Sutter, , in his closing remarks thanked the conference participants and explained that the #RightToProtein initiative aims to increase public understanding of the importance of protein and to encourage governments, businesses, and other organizations to prioritize protein production, distribution, and consumption in their policies and practices.
Formally launched in Nigeria in February 2023, #RightToProtein is Nigeria’s first protein awareness initiative, and it emphasizes the role of protein in supporting good health, reducing malnutrition, and promoting sustainable development.