Nigeria, Cuba begins Strategic Alliance to Combat Food Insecurity – Nigeria is taking significant steps towards bolstering its food security, and its latest collaboration with Cuba holds the promise of an agricultural renaissance. A recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations aims to advance agricultural practices and ensure food sufficiency for their citizens.
A Historic Pact in Havana
The symbolic gesture took place in Havana, on the fringes of the G77+China Leaders’ Summit. Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, inked the agreement on Nigeria’s behalf. This pivotal move was witnessed by key officials from both countries, marking the initiation of a collaborative journey in the agricultural realm.
According to Kyari, the MoU signifies more than just a partnership; it’s a testament to the shared aspirations of Nigeria and Cuba. Both nations, despite their geographical differences, envision a prosperous and food-secure future for their people.
Shared Goals, Mutual Benefits
Kyari lavished praise on Cuba’s readiness to join hands with Nigeria. He accentuated Nigeria’s abundant land resources, demographic advantage, and the immense potential that lies in its agricultural sector. This collaboration aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of ensuring food and nutrition security for the nation.
Delineating the partnership’s focal points, Kyari emphasized bio-fortification of crops, enhancement of agricultural seeds, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to augment yields. Efforts will also be concentrated on diminishing post-harvest losses. Moreover, the two nations aim to synergize in domains like poultry, livestock, and fisheries.
Kyari elaborated, “Our collaboration will span a spectrum of areas, from veterinary medicine and vaccine development to artificial insemination, pasture development, and ranching.” He underscored the importance of training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer as the bedrock of a prosperous agricultural economy.
Cuba’s Agricultural Might
Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Brito, gave the Nigerian delegation a glimpse into Cuba’s agricultural achievements. With over half a million hectares under cultivation, Cuba stands tall in the global export market, especially in commodities like tobacco, coffee, and honey.
Brito’s enthusiasm about partnering with Nigeria was palpable. He assured Nigeria of Cuba’s unwavering commitment to this partnership and emphasized that the island nation would harness its vast agricultural experience to support Nigeria’s food security goals.
He remarked, “Our collaboration will encapsulate areas such as agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer.”
A Bright Horizon
This partnership symbolizes the union of two nations, leveraging their strengths to carve a path to agricultural prosperity. As the world grapples with the challenges of food security, collaborations like these offer a beacon of hope, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.