Critical Stakeholders:urge govt to invest on water infrastructure to boast food sufficiency In Bauchi

From Abdullahi Idris,Bauchi
Bauchi Stakeholders on Agriculture have urged the State government
to invest heavily on water infrastructure to boost irrigation farming and reduce poverty,unemployment among the teeming population of our society.
The Stakeholders made the call at the 2023 Interactive Forum for World Food Day organised by the Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative(FAWOYDI) with support of Actionaid in Bauchi
They assert that irrigation can radically change the life of a village and its inhabitants and as well provide food security for the community,and improves the income of an average man
“irrigation can introduce off-season cultivation, thereby considerably extending the production period.
“When combined with storage and preservation capacities, it can allow a community to provide off-season products at distinctly more profitable prices,” he said.
Mrs Dinatu Daniel, Executive Director FAWOYDI said that access to clean water is a fundamental human right which plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and sufficiency across the divides
In another development,She said that the availability of clean water is essential for agricultural activities, food production and the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
According to her, contaminated water sources can cause waterborne diseases, leading to malnutrition and other health complications that can affect food security and overall human development in all societies
She stressed that by ensuring access to clean water, people can improve sanitation and hygiene practices, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission and promoting better nutrition.
“There is a need to seriously consider investing heavily in irrigation farming as it has the potential to boost the country’s food security that will translate into meaningful development,”Daniel Said.
On her part, Hajiya Marka Abass, the state Coordinator Smallholder Women Farmers of Nigeria (SWOFON) said that women farmers carry out about 80 percent of agricultural production, 60 percent of agricultural processing activities.
She pointed out that the demand of SWOFON include creating budget lines for funding and implementation of the National Gender policy by the Bauchi state government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Also Speaking, Mr Isyaku Hashimu,
Principal Chemical Engineer with State Urban Water Sewerage Corporation(BSUWSC) warned residents against throwing waste products in drainages, wells and water-waste as well as the over-use of pesticides. Or chemical contaminants that may be harmful effects to man and his surroundings environment
The Stakeholders who grace the occasion include women Smallholder farmers, government officials, Civil Society Organizations, Farmers,Media among others.