FAO Collaborates With Ondo In Food Security, Climatic Resilience

By Ayodele Oni

The Food and Agricultural Organization,  (FAO) has reaffirmed commitment to deepen collaboration with Ondo State in areas of food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and forestry management.

This is just as the world body revealed that ongoing projects in the state, include the Global Environment Facility (GEF7) Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FLUR) project, and the newly approved GEF7 Biodiversity project.

FAO Representative in Nigeria and  ECOWAS, Mr Hussein Gadain, disclosed this during a courtesy call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure.

According to him, these initiatives, focus on forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable cocoa production, climate-smart agriculture, and youth empowerment.

He noted that FAO has already provided Ondo State with vital support such as a Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory, farmer field and business schools, solar-powered agroforestry nurseries, and a multi-stakeholder platform for land and forest management.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged stronger support for the Organization (FAO) of the United Nations as the agency expands its interventions in Ondo State.

He expressed delight at the progress made since the programme’s inauguration in July 2024, commending FAO for its support, particularly in providing tools such as GIS for forest mapping and in driving advocacy and farmer training.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured FAO of the state’s readiness to collaborate further, especially in areas of land allocation for farmers, youth recruitment into agribusiness and budgetary support for the projects.

He emphasized the importance of setting up land allocation committees at the local government level to resolve issues of encroachment and land scarcity.

“Ondo State will continue to provide the needed leadership and support to ensure the success of FAO’s interventions.”

The governor also pledged to encourage youth participation in agriculture as part of efforts to secure the state’s food future.

He assured the visiting team that the state is committed to working closely with FAO and other stakeholders to boost food production, create jobs, and protect its forest resources for the benefit of present and future generations.