Mr. Daniel Okafor, the National President, Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria (POFAN), has advised African countries, especially Nigeria, to map out strategies to mitigate the impending post-COVID-19 food crisis and malnutrition.

Okafor gave the advice in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, stating that there would be massive job losses and other economic challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic.
He urged various heads of government in the continent to take proactive measures to forestall the imminent crisis in the agricultural sector.

He recommended strategic meetings between governments and agricultural experts that would lead to extensive research to bring about a lasting solution to the crisis.

Okafor stated: “If nothing positive is done to help farmers get it right in this first year of the pandemic, Nigeria is going to experience food shortage, malnutrition, and lack of revenue generation.

“Also, there will be job losses and health issues, among other challenges.

“So, Nigerian farmers require assistance, including adequate agricultural inputs, to produce enough food for the nation.

Okafor, who is also the National Vice President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), expressed concern that Nigeria’s GDP growth was retrogressing because of the fall in the international oil price.

“So, to attain food security, there must be inclusive agricultural policies and timely budget implementation, among other measures,” he said.

He opined that the effect of the pandemic was already being felt in the global economy, hence the need for all hands to be on deck to ameliorate the situation.

Okafor commended Federal Government’s efforts in combating the pandemic and called for greater efforts to save the economy from the post-COVID-19 challenges.