Problem
Statement:
Nigerian farmers do not have access to strategic information they
need to make choices necessary to boost food production, process
their products to get maximum prices in the markets. This information
includes projected rainfall events, agriculture input prices and
market demands will help the food production industry to develop
stability, productivity and domestic tranquility.
Information gathered in routine monitoring and assessments are
the foundation of the livelihoods-based early warning, information
system that FEWSNET/Nigeria provides. Nigeria's small grains production
breadbasket in the North, which supplies small grains to West Africa,
is delicate due to periodic drought, fragile and depleted soils
and seasonal locust infestations. It is imperative to maintain a
continuous monitoring and regular assessment of the food and agricultural
situation in the North through an early warning system for food
security. In Nigeria's south, unemployment and inequity foster unrest
and periodic violence. To help maintain peace and order, it is essential
to monitor and provide early warning of “ livelihood hazards
” that can include a combination of food prices, levels of
regional employment, household security, and the quality of life
in general.
Approach: The FEWSNET program in Nigeria
will collect the strategic information necessary to establish jobs
in the food production industry to help move the country towards
self sufficiency and economic growth.
- In Northern Nigeria desertification and agricultural practices
will be examined.
- Crop production, rainfall events, market prices and cross-border
trade will be published monthly
- The South will be evaluated for potential livelihoods, to alleviate
joblessness.
- Decision making mechanisms for food security and safety nets
will be supported
- “ Livelihood stress ” based on food prices, levels
of regional employment, household security, and the quality of
life in general will be monitored to provide early warning of
unrest and instability
Anticipated Results: The Nigeria FEWS
NET office will produce monthly food security situation reports,
of the same length and format found currently on www.fews.net, in
other FEWS NET countries.
- The quality of the baseline data and analytic framework for
each region will be developed.
- The amount, type, and quality of data available for food security
will be improved and increased
- The information gathered will be provided to the Government
of Nigeria, the donor community and other stakeholders to form
a basis of strategies and bolster agriculture production.
|