The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has called on journalists to adopt a patriotic and well-informed reportage style to support food security and peace-building efforts in Nigeria.
This appeal was made at a national dialogue held in Abuja, which brought together stakeholders to discuss the role of media in addressing climate-related conflicts and agricultural insecurity.
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WOFAN-ICON2 Project, Country Director Dr. Salamatu Garba emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle food security challenges.
She highlighted the importance of language in conflict resolution, suggesting that journalists refer to herders as “livestock farmers” instead of “antagonistic groups” to promote a more balanced narrative.
The national dialogue also examined the critical role of traditional leaders in conflict resolution and the need for policy harmonization to support sustainable agricultural practices and security.
Dr. Salamatu stressed the importance of journalists’ welfare, calling for insurance packages to ensure their safety while reporting on security-sensitive issues.
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“Sending journalists into conflict zones without proper protection is like sending soldiers to the battlefield unarmed. If we expect them to fulfill their roles effectively, we must also prioritize their safety,”
On his part, The president of the 74th United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) and former Vice Chancellor Uthman Dan fodio University, Sokoto, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad Bande lauded the initiative of the national dialogue emphasizing the need for food and nutrition security to be addressed together so as to meet the Sustainable Development Goal number 2 of ending hunger by 2030.
‘’It is not possible for us to be discussing food security in agriculture value chain without nutrition security, as they coexist,’’ Bande noted.
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He said the method of involving key stakeholders as partners in this journey of finding a sustainable solution to farmers’ conflict is very important.
The WOFAN-ICON2 Project, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, aims to empower 675,000 farmers and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.
The project Is part of a broader effort to promote peace and stability in Nigeria by addressing the root causes of conflict and supporting sustainable development.
The national dialogue was organized by the WOFAN-ICON2 project, supported by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, HEDA Resource Centre, UN-POLAC, NAERLS, SolaceBase Communication and Express Radio.
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