HUMANITARIAN FOOD SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS MISSION TO YOBE
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) welcomed delegations from the World Food Programme (WFP), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Mastercard to Yobe as part of efforts to enhance food security and agricultural resilience.
Nigeria’s thriving private sector and investment-friendly climate offer vast opportunities to address food insecurity. By making strategic investments, the country can harness its natural resources to boost food production and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
A Zero-Hunger Movement is being launched as an African-led initiative, bringing together governments, private sector players, creative industries, and international financial institutions. This movement, guided by a WFP-mandated food systems study, seeks to enhance agricultural investments, improve nutrition, and stimulate economic growth.
A study conducted by WFP, in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and AfDB, has analyzed the impact of various assistance models—cash transfers, vouchers, and in-kind food aid—on agricultural recovery and social protection. Additionally, a Food Systems Influence Index is being developed to generate localized insights that support sustainable food systems and reduce dependence on food imports.
As part of this initiative, a joint WFP-AfDB mission visited Yobe State to engage stakeholders, assess investment opportunities, and explore strategies for strengthening food security. The mission also aimed to highlight AfDB’s Special Relief Fund partnership with WFP, which supports flood-affected communities.
Key Objectives of the Mission (Potiskum, Damaturu):
Assess Nigeria’s food security landscape and investment potential.
Engage with key stakeholders, including traders, agro-industries, and government officials.
Identify viable investment opportunities and showcase successful agribusiness models.
Highlight AfDB-WFP collaboration on food security and disaster response.
During the visit, SEMA facilitated a tour of Yobe Flour and Feeds Mill, a state-owned enterprise, to assess production capacity and explore potential partnerships. This aligns with WFP’s mandate to save lives while stimulating local economies, supporting localization, and strengthening government ownership.
This initiative marks a critical step toward building a sustainable and resilient food system in Nigeria, fostering long-term economic and social development.
Dr Goje Mohammed appreciated the presence of Mai Pataskum HRH Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bawuya for donating the piece of land in Mamudo for the pilot sola irrigation project.
Dr Goje on behalf of Yobe State Government Thanked Mr Abdul Kamara, Director General, AfDB Nigeria, David Stevenson, WFP Country Director, Mr Ayodele Abiodun, Mastercard Foundation and other communications, media and state team that accompanied and supported the mission