AfCFTA: Lake Chad region can earn billions of dollars from moringa, hibiscus
The World Food Programme (WFP) has said moringa, hibiscus and cowpeas farming can earn Lake Chad billions in revenue with improved peace and agricultural potential of the region. The Country Representative of WFP, David Steveson, stated this on Thursday at the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum, in Maiduguri, Borno. “The economic potential of crop agriculture, […]
African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)
The World Food Programme (WFP) has said moringa, hibiscus and cowpeas farming can earn Lake Chad billions in revenue with improved peace and agricultural potential of the region.
The Country Representative of WFP, David Steveson, stated this on Thursday at the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum, in Maiduguri, Borno.
“The economic potential of crop agriculture, investment in crops such as cowpeas, moringa and hibiscus would generate billions of dollars in revenue for the region.
“The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) provides an opportunity to boost regional trade and economic recovery if agriculture and livestock production are revived,” he said.
He said the Lake Chad region has a comparative advantage in lives considering how it supported one of the largest livestock populations from West to Central Africa at one time.
He noted that with regional cooperation and political will to revitalise agriculture, the region will tackle its food insecurity and feed the nations.
Steveson regretted that, with such agricultural resources that nature has blessed the region, over seven million people still face food shortages. “And, more than three million others were displaced due to prolonged conflict and environmental degradation,” he said.
He advised Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and the regional organisations on the need for stronger partnerships and policies that will take farming, livestock production and fishery to the next level.
He advocates a migration from the outdated farming practices to embrace modern techniques that can maintain the ecosystem and boost food production.