By Onche Odeh
Former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has called on African countries to set targets towards the general adoption and application of modern technologies to drive optimal performance in agriculture, saying such is the only way the continent can become food secure.
Jonathan who made this known in Abuja on Wednesday in his acceptance speech while being unveiled as African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)’s Goodwill Ambassador said it is regrettable that most countries in Africa are struggling to become food secure, adding that the continent cannot develop outside technology.
According to the former President of Nigeria famed for his huge investment in agriculture, it is only through advancement in agriculture that Africa can ensure food security, poverty reduction and uplift the lives of the people.
Giving reasons why he accepted to be AATF’s Goodwill ambassador, Jonathan said, “When AATF approached me to serve in this capacity, I did not hesitate to accept. My reason stemmed from my deep belief in the fact that agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy, and that technology can contribute enormously to progressing our agriculture.”
Speaking on the challenges of Climate Change, pest, diseases and a growing population that have placed immense pressure on the continent’s agricultural system as a reminder of his role as AATF’s Goodwill Ambassador, Jonathan said the solution still lies in the adoption and right application of technologies.
“For a long time, inadequate integration of technologies in the agricultural sector in Africa has contributed to low yields and increased post-harvest losses, which in some food items such as fruits and vegetables are as high as 40 percent.
“On the other hand, the use of modern technologies has increased productivity in many countries of the world,” he said, adding also that, with technology, smallholder farmers are guaranteed quality harvest and increased yield.
Meanwhile, as the consultations for the successor to the Malabo Declaration to end hunger begins, the former Nigerian President has called on member states to the African Union to include investment in agricultural technology as an important indicator for sustainable agricultural systems in Africa.
AATF’s Executive Director, Dr. Canisius Kanangire, while justifying the choice of Jonathan as AATF’s Goodwill Ambassador, said, “Dr. Good Jonathan’s tenure as the President of Nigeria showcased his unwavering dedication to fostering socio-economic growth and development.”
Kanangire restated AATF’s commitment to driving positive change in Africa’s agricultural, but reminded governments and agricultural stakeholders in Africa that change is a collective endeavor, adding, “Governments, private partners, civil society, and individuals all have roles to play in shaping Africa’s agricultural landscape. Let us be inspired by the leadership and commitment that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan embodies.”
