Kwara State government, in North Central Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and strengthening household food systems at the Joint Implementation Support Mission of the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) 2.0 Project held in Abuja.
ANRiN 2.0 is a federal initiative designed to accelerate nutrition results across the country by linking agriculture, health and social welfare interventions.
The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning brought together representatives from 21 participating states to review progress, share best practices and deepen collaboration between Nigerian and state institutions.
Speaking on behalf of Commissioners for Agriculture from the participating states, the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, highlighted the Convergence of Food Systems component, which links agriculture and nutrition to improve household food security and overall family wellbeing.
He explained that “the programme promotes homestead gardening, crop production and other nutrition-sensitive practices to increase food availability and dietary diversity.”
Dr. Alabi noted that “successful adoption of these practices requires training for state-level trainers, support for agricultural extension officers and direct guidance for households.”
He said that participating states, including Kwara, will benefit from expanded access to climate-smart agricultural practices and the provision of inputs such as seedlings, vegetable seeds and small-scale poultry. These measures, Dr. Alabi said, are expected to build resilience and reduce vulnerability to food insecurity.
He emphasided that the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remains committed to supporting families as they adopt these practices.
Dr. Alabi promised that the Ministry would continue to provide guidance to ensure sustainable and lasting impact.
Also representing the Kwara State Government at the event were; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, and the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Ronke Arinde, underscoring the State’s commitment to integrated approaches in strengthening food systems.
The State encouraged households, farmers and community stakeholders to embrace homestead gardening, crop production and other nutrition-sensitive practices to improve local food security, enhance family nutrition and support its vision for a healthier, more resilient population.
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