In a sharp critique of global food security policies, agricultural expert and advocate Paschal Nnaemeka has called out governments for failing to prioritize and push forward robust food security initiatives. According to Nnaemeka, governments worldwide are leaving the heavy lifting of ensuring food availability to individual farmers and private agro-companies, despite these groups operating with limited resources.

“Food security is not just an agricultural concern; it is a matter of national and global security, economic stability, and human survival,” Nnaemeka stated, warning that the absence of substantial government support could lead to severe risks to future food production systems.

Nnaemeka highlighted several challenges faced by those on the frontlines of food production, including climate change, rising input costs, pest and disease outbreaks, and the global population surge. Despite these challenges, farmers and private entities continue to step up, expanding cultivation, adopting sustainable practices, and innovating to boost yields. However, he stressed that they cannot shoulder this burden alone.

“There needs to be a greater, concerted effort from governments at all levels to strengthen food systems, invest in agricultural research, and provide the infrastructure and policies that can secure the future of food for all,” Nnaemeka emphasized.

As an advocate for food security, Nnaemeka urged governments to act immediately, warning that if the responsibility for food security remains in the hands of only a few, without meaningful government intervention, the world risks facing a food crisis of “unimaginable scale.”

While farmers like Nnaemeka vow to continue cultivating and feeding the world, he made it clear: “The time for meaningful governmental intervention is long overdue.”