Abuja: The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and other stakeholders, has initiated efforts to integrate climate resilience and nutrition policies to foster sustainable food systems. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes across the nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative is part of the I-CAN framework launched at COP27 by the Government of Egypt, in partnership with organizations such as WHO, FAO, UNEP, and GAIN. This framework serves as a global model to bridge the policy gap between climate action and nutrition. A study on Climate and Nutrition Integration by GAIN was presented at the National Consultation on Climate and Nutrition Integration held in Abuja, focusing on evidence generation, stakeholder mapping, and policy landscape analysis in Nigeria.
Dr. Faniran Sanjo, Director of the Social Development Department at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized that the study aligns with government efforts to review the National Food and Nutrition Policy. As the National Convener for Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Nigeria, Sanjo highlighted the importance of addressing challenges in the food system from production to consumption, emphasizing the role of climate action in improving nutrition and food systems.
Mrs. Ladi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Head of the Nutrition Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, noted the government’s efforts in implementing policies to promote nutrition and food security. She stated that these policies also tackle the impact of climate change on health and nutrition, contributing to improved health outcomes and sustainable development.
Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director of GAIN Nigeria, underscored the need to align Nigeria’s climate and nutrition policies within a coherent framework. He described climate change as both an environmental and nutrition crisis, emphasizing the urgency of integrating climate resilience with nutrition outcomes.
Mr. Obinna Igwebuike, Co-Founder and CEO of Sawubona Advisory Services, presented findings on the severe impact of climate change on food and nutrition security in Nigeria. He stressed that over 33 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity by 2025, with over 30% of children under five currently stunted. Igwebuike highlighted the necessity for an actionable framework to strengthen resilience to climate shocks and improve nutrition outcomes.
NAN reports that other stakeholders reiterated their commitment to addressing the climate-nutrition nexus, aiming to build a mission-driven approach to sustainable, climate-resilient nutrition systems in Nigeria, in line with global efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
