The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), Andrew Mamedu, has said Nigeria is at a crossroad because its food system is under growing stress.
Mamedu, speaking at a two-day workshop with the theme ‘Media Workshop: Strengthening the Role of the Media in Promoting Investments in Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems’, held recently in Abuja, further said the under growing stress ranges from climate change, economic shocks, conflicts, and rising inequality and yet, within these challenges lie powerful opportunities.
Mamedu who was represented by the Deputy Country Director, AAN, Suwaiba Dankabo, said the workshop funded by GIZ is to equip agricultural journalists with practical insights, including knowledge needed to report effectively on agricultural, climate change, and inclusive decisions.
He said that there are opportunities to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient agricultural system, but only if “we act boldly, collaboratively, and intentionally.”
According to him, ActionAid Nigeria, is part of our broader commitment to ensure that Nigeria’s agricultural transformation is not only sustainable, but also inclusive, especially for women, youth, and marginalized communities, including persons living with disabilities.
Also, Food Systems Specialist, ActionAid Nigeria, Azubike Nwokoye, in a paper presentation on; “Understanding Inclusive Food System: What Makes Food System Inclusive? Power Dynamics in Food Production, Distribution and Consumption” , called on journalists to go the extra mile to ensure the policies in the agricultural sector are made equitable and implemented.
In another presentation tagged, ‘Gender & Food Systems: Women’s Roles and Barriers, Gender Sensitive Reporting’ delivered by Mrs Ebere Agozie, she urged journalists to focus more on gender, especially, women issues as it concern agricultural and climate change reportage.
She charged them to showcase their tenacity, doggedness, resilience and innovations in the agricultural sector.
Also, an editor, Mojeed Alabi, in his papers on ‘Bridging Collaboration Barriers Between Agricultural Researchers and Journalists For Food Sustainability’ said that sensational news headlines should not be the major focus rather issues that touches on the policies, accountability, inclusive, and problem solving for the society.