By Emmanuel Elebeke, Abuja

Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, GAIN Nigeria has called for innovative water management practices for enhanced food production and sustainability.

GAIN Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Michael Ojo made the call on Monday at a press briefing as part of activities to mark 2023  World Food Day.

The theme for the 2023 World Food Day is “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind.” 

According to the GAIN Country Director, water scarcity poses a significant threat to the sustainability of food system, impacting production, processing, distribution and overall food security.

He pointed out that climate change-induced floods and draughts disrupts food production  and distribution, underscoring the need for resilient strategies, such as adaptive irrigation techniques and improved Water me storage systems, to mitigate these challenges.

To reduce water consumption in food  systems, and ensuring  long term sustainability, he said, “balancing the cultivation of water-intensive crops like vegetables, fruits with water conservation efforts is crucial.”

As a concerned organization, he said GAIN is working to improve nutrition and food security in Nigeria by supporting sustainable food systems and improving access to nutritious food.

“The theme of this year’s World Food Day highlights the essential role that water plays in our lives and in our food systems. 

“With Food Systems activities accounting for about 72% of global freshwater withdrawals which is required for crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and food production, GAIN Nigeria Country Director, Michael Pho said, “it has become extremely important to manage and reduce water use by agriculture, food and other land uses (AFOLU),” he said.

For him, there is need for increased public awareness on the necessity for water management in a world where water availability is being threatened by urbanization, poor management, pollution, and climate change.

“At GAIN, we believe that access to clean water is not only essential for survival but also plays a vital role in ensuring food security and better diets for all.

” Through our interventions, we are promoting adoption of sustainable agricultural practices given their critical role in reducing the impact of these pressures on the integrated systems of land, soil and water which are being strained to their limits. 

“One of the biggest challenges we face today is increasing food production to meet the needs of an increasing population, while using less water.  

“So it is critical to improve the productivity, efficiency, and environmental impact of how we use water in our food system.

Consequently, Ojo said GAIN has been deliberate about building the capacities of food producers and processors in all countries of operation..

He also informed that the organization has been supporting on a wide range of water conservation methods such as adaptive farming techniques and improved water efficiency in their processes to mitigate these challenges.

“Another key water-food system linkage is water supply for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), which is important for human health and well-being, and can support nutrition outcomes, particularly if combined with other interventions. 

“So, while we drive effective water management for food production, there is a need to improve access to clean water to underserved populations.”