Malnutrition: Firm Tasks Policy Makers, Stakeholders On Mass Agric Investments

Inyene Agro Processing Factory (IAPF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) committed to nutrition for a healthy population, has engaged policy makers and agricultural sector stakeholders to address the challenges of poverty and malnutrition plaguing the very poor in Nigeria. It advocates mass investments in agriculture for food sufficiency.

The chief executive officer of the agro-based Foundation, Blessing Akpan, who stated this in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, at the weekend, recalled that the action plan was one of the key resolutions reached at the just concluded 2025 Peace Forum in Paris, France.

A communique outlining the outcome of the French summit made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend underscored the need for an intense fight against malnutrition through adequate agricultural diversification.

Held at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, from October 29-30, 2025, the forum, according to the communique, focused on “new coalitions for peace, people, and the planet.”

“The high-level, closed-door roundtable brought together leaders from industry, finance, philanthropy, government, and international organisations to discuss operationalising the Paris Declaration as a roadmap for improving markets for nutrition,” the communque explained.

Also, the “Paris Declaration on Business and Nutrition” set the framework for the 2030 roadmap for transforming food systems within the targeted population, prioritising nutrition and health.”

The communique noted that “the participation of the only Nigerian agro firm at the summit has opened a diplomatic channel “for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing malnutrition in all its forms, especially as it affects health, climate, and the economies.”

“The declaration calls on governments, businesses, investors, and civil society to collaborate in creating a healthier and more sustainable nutrition economy.

“As the only delegate from Nigeria-West Africa, Akpan’s presence at the forum highlighted her commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and nutrition security, particularly in Nigeria and nearby African countries.

“The session opened new international market opportunities to benefit farmers, food processors, and consumers in Nigeria and other countries.

“The forum explored ways to deliver affordable, healthy, and locally relevant food through strategic partnerships, localised manufacturing and supply chains for nutrition commodities, and scale up impact through concrete examples and proven approaches of impact investment,” the communique stressed.

Recounting the gains of the earlier Paris Nutrition for Growth summit in March 2025, the CEO recalled that collaborators and synergy with allied partners, including GBhub Africa, led to the establishment of a 100-hectare Soya beans empowerment scheme in Nassarawa state, which positively impacted over 100 smallholder farmers, and expansion to Benue state.