Senator Ken Eze, representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, has urged stronger Africa–China collaboration to address the continent’s food security crisis through sustainable, technology-driven agricultural systems.
Speaking at Henan University of Technology during the ongoing Seminar on Food System Transition and Security for Africa English-speaking Countries, Eze described food security as more than an agricultural concern, calling it a matter of national security, economic stability, and human survival.
In a statement issued Wednesday by his legislative secretary, Godwin Nwafor, the lawmaker who also serves on the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions commended the Chinese government for fostering global dialogue and sharing expertise on agricultural transformation.
Despite Africa’s vast arable land, abundant resources, and young population, Eze lamented that the continent still imports over $50 billion worth of food annually while millions face hunger and malnutrition.
“The realities of climate change, population growth, and geopolitical instability demand a shift toward sustainable, resilient, and self-sufficient food systems,” Eze said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s agricultural profile, he noted that the sector employs over 35% of the workforce and significantly contributes to GDP, yet suffers from persistent challenges such as post-harvest losses, low mechanization, inadequate storage, and climate change.
He outlined measures currently being implemented in Nigeria — and in his constituency — to address these gaps, including agro-industrial expansion, climate-smart farming, storage and value addition, and farmer support with fertilizers, grants, and modern inputs.
The Senator hailed China’s achievement in feeding over 1.4 billion people through agricultural transformation, calling it “an invaluable model for Africa.” He pressed for deeper knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and research partnerships to accelerate Africa’s agricultural modernization.
“This seminar is not just about sharing ideas; it is a call to action for Africa to feed itself and contribute to global food stability,” he declared.
Eze urged African policymakers to boost regional cooperation, adopt sustainable farming practices, harness digital tools such as artificial intelligence, and prioritize smallholder farmers.
The three-week seminar in China brings together scholars, policymakers, and agricultural experts from across English-speaking African nations to explore pathways for food system transition and security.
