Plateau partners firm to launch food security plan

The Plateau State government, in collaboration with Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRIH), has launched a strategic food security plan developed under the SPRING Programme, aimed at strengthening the state’s agricultural system.

Agriculture and Rural Development representatives from Mangu, Pankshin and Shendam local government areas, alongside community leaders, researchers and other stakeholders, contributed to the project.

Regional Programme Manager of SPRING, Mujidang Sitang, represented by Regional Grant Officer, Tony Yusuf, said the programme has also produced an early-warning and early-response framework for the state and has trained security personnel, including members of the state security outfit, Operation Rainbow.

Yusuf said the project was developed with a high level of professionalism and would be effective and sustainable. He urged the state government to move beyond endorsement and fully implement the plan, saying it is capable of addressing food security challenges in the state.

Executive Director of SCRIH, Adebayo Adeleke, represented by Yusuf Akorede, said the plan would transform the state’s agricultural landscape by ensuring women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups become active participants in strengthening food security, in support of Nigeria’s broader food security agenda.

“The plan we are launching today provides a clear roadmap for coordinated action, effective resource mobilisation and shared accountability,” Adeleke said.

“However, its success will not be measured by today’s launch, but by the actions we take and the results we achieve together in the months and years ahead.”

Responding on behalf of the state government, Director of Agricultural Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lang Zakka, said the partnership was designed to improve families, livelihoods and communities, and to boost peace and security, which he said, are prerequisites for food security.  Zakka said the project has united communities and improved security in the areas where it operated, citing testimonies from residents. He pledged that the government would take over the remaining tasks from the partners and ensure the plan becomes a working document rather than a policy left on paper, in line with the state’s priority on peace and food security.