Obasanjo Urges Youth, Women Involvement In Agric

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on African leaders to attract more youths and women into agriculture to increase food production.
He made the call in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital on Monday at a Development Round Table for Partnership to end Hunger in Africa.
Obasanjo said the private sector and other stakeholders must play key roles to make the proposal to work and succeed.
Reports say that the roundtable session was moderated by Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.
The AU, FAO and the Lula Institute convened the meeting with the theme “Unified approach to end hunger in Africa by 2025“.
Obasanjo said for Africa to eradicate hunger and poverty, “agric-business must replace farming.’’
He explained that the sector needed more financing, modern equipment, research and business approach to increase food production.
Obasanjo said such an approach would yield the required dividends with only a few hectares of land that would add value to Africa’s staple foods.
“The fight against hunger must involve every stakeholder, including the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
“This effort should not be left to the Governments alone; it should include the traditional institutions, the CSOs, the private sector as well as religious leaders and everybody.“
Former President of Ghana, Mr John Kufuor said there was need for research to modify and add value to food production on the continent.