Happy World Agriculture Day, 9 September!
Where there is a lack of food, it can result in a deepening crisis, leading to widespread hunger and poverty, health emergencies, and social unrest. When people can no longer access regular and nutritious meals, food insecurity can quickly escalate into a severe humanitarian crisis.
Farming feeds the global population. However, communities around the world are facing prolonged conflicts and crises that have displaced people from their homes, forced them to abandon their farmlands, and disrupted food production and agricultural development.
In Benue State, many communities rely heavily on agriculture as their primary means of livelihood. However, a large population from these agrarian communities has been displaced into IDP camps, where they now face excruciating hunger and acute poverty as their livelihoods have been abruptly cut off.
Many children in these camps are at increased risk of malnutrition, while women and men struggle with hunger and uncertainty, often with limited means to rebuild their livelihoods.
At the Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace (FJDP), agriculture is one of our thematic areas of focus. We recognize the vital role farming plays in strengthening livelihoods, promoting food security, reducing poverty, and building resilient communities.
On this World Agriculture Day, we call on the public to honour farmers, support sustainable agriculture, and raise awareness about the importance of food security.
To all farmers across the globe, we celebrate and appreciate your invaluable contribution to feeding the world.
With sustainable agriculture, we can help reduce hunger, poverty, and the health risks faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable communities.
Happy World Agriculture Day!
