Media urged to boost agriculture, nutrition awareness in Nigeria
Three international development groups urged Nigerian media to expand coverage of agricultural science and nutrition policy at a training session in Abuja. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition and Nigeria Health Watch told reporters to adopt evidence-based methods that connect research breakthroughs with household food choices. Country director Michael Ojo said journalists must examine the entire production chain — from farms to processing plants — to inform programs addressing malnutrition.
Station representative Beatrice Aighewi explained that improved yam varieties yield 30 to 40 tons per hectare, compared with 6 to 8 tons from traditional varieties. Nigeria produces 70 percent of the world’s yam supply but faces constraints due to disease and storage problems. The Gates Foundation supports breeding programs using aeroponic systems and bioreactor technology that boosted success rates above 90 percent. Market analysts expect global yam values to climb from 38.83 million dollars this year to 47.47 million by 2030.
Food consultant Olapeju Phorbe called dietary variety essential for public health and criticized the distribution of expired items as relief supplies. Data specialist Damilola Ojetunde cited 2018 health surveys showing that stunting affects 57 percent of children in northwestern regions, compared with 18 percent in southeastern states. Workshop leaders from UNICEF and Nigeria Health Watch joined the presentations.
