AMDF Commences Media Training on Food Security
Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) in partnership with OmniAgrik Specialities recently commenced the Training of Journalists in Kaduna on Reporting Food Security Project.
Coming on the heels of a recent report by the World Food Programme which revealed that Nigeria and 22 other countries across the globe would experience acute food insecurity over the next four months, the Project intends to build capacity of journalists and draw their attention to begin to speak up and contribute their quota in addressing the coming threat of food insecurity.
The report attributed the imminent acute food insecurity to conflicts, economic repercussions of COVID-19 and climate crises in these countries which it tagged as “hunger hotspots”.
The 6 months’ project involving 15 journalists seeks to strengthen capacity of journalists in Kaduna in reporting food security and to increase awareness for action among policy makers and the general public on food security/insecurity and nutrition through media reports.
In Nigeria, farmer-herder attacks have continued to pose a great setback on food production especially in the middle belt region, coupled with the effects of Boko Haram, banditry and Kidnappings in the North west and North East Regions.
For fear of being kidnapped, many farmers have deserted their farmlands, while some farmers have had their farm produce destroyed by cattle or harvested by bandits. This has resulted in low agricultural output with a resultant effect of food insecurity. This no doubt comes with a ripple effect of famine and consequently malnutrition amongst children.
While farmers await interventions from security agencies, government and development partners, it is important that the media plays its role in amplifying these issues and continue to draw attention of relevant stakeholders to the risks faced by large and small scale farmers and what it portends for food security and economic growth in the near future.
Deputy Executive Director, AMDF, Sekyen Dadik noted that engaging the media in raising the narratives is imperative regarding the media’s role in agenda setting and creating awareness amongst decision makers and the general populace.
She added that Food insecurity could also be fueled by Mis/Disinformation where understanding and awareness is low. Unfortunately, the concept of food security is new to the public and even the media who are saddled with the responsibility of enlightening the general public.
Hence, the need for journalists to be taken through trainings on reporting food security to produce informed and in depth contents that will influence policies and actions.
In his presentation, a Veterinarian and Managing Consultant, OmniAgrik Specialties, Dr. Yila Umaru Lakorok took the participating journalists through concepts of food security, impact of food security to nutrition and economic growth.
He said the biggest challenge before Nigeria is not that of an impending war, but that of food insecurity, which is already at the doorstep as predicted by the UN, saying it is getting worst by the days.
Dr Yila said Nigerians do not have adequate physical, social and economic access to food, noting that a number of negative factors impacting on food status as weather condition, political instability, economy, unemployment and rising food prices, among others.
He therefore enjoined participants to produce contents that will create awareness, and set an agenda that would provoke attention of government to take action against food insecurity.
The Project involves In-person Trainings, Field trip to local farmers and community markets, mentoring and pitching to publish or broadcast at least 3 in depth stories within the 6 months’ project period among others.
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