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International Pallas’s Cat Day: Celebrating the grumpiest cat on earth

Michael Simire
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International Pallas’s Cat Day: Celebrating the grumpiest cat on earth

International Pallas’s Cat Day, celebrated every April 23, holds significant importance for several reasons, each contributing to the conservation and awareness of this unique and relatively unknown species. By dedicating a day to celebrate this feline, organisations and conservationists can spotlight its unique characteristics, habitat, and the challenges it faces, engaging a global audience in its story

Pallas Cat
Pallas Cat

In the high, remote mountain ranges of Central Asia, a ghostly figure roams, its gaze piercing through the thin, crisp air. This isn’t the beginning of a folk tale but a snapshot into the life of the Pallas’s cat, a remarkable creature that captures the essence of the wild, untamed landscapes it calls home. Known for its unique appearance and elusive nature, this feline is more than just another wild animal – it’s a symbol of the rugged, unexplored territories of the world.

The Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) is an animal that seems to belong to the pages of a mystical storybook rather than the rocky steppes and grasslands it inhabits. With its thick, grey fur, flattened face, and wide-set eyes, it looks distinctly different from your average house cat – and there’s a good reason for that. Unlike the slender, agile figures of many of its feline cousins, the Pallas’s cat has a more robust and stocky build, complete with a notably flat face, round pupils – an unusual trait among small cats – and ears that sit low on its head, aiding in its stealthy hunting endeavours.

These solitary creatures lead a covert existence, marking their expansive territories with scent to communicate with others of their kind while predominantly hunting small rodents, birds, and occasionally insects. Their preference for ground-level navigation does not diminish their prowess as hunters, as they are not adept climbers but rather skilled ambush predators.

International Pallas’s Cat Day are remarkable for their wide distribution across the mountainous and high-altitude regions of Central Asia, from the Iranian plateau through Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, to parts of China and the Himalayas, where they thrive in cold and arid environments. These habitats, characterised by their extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation, have shaped the Pallas’s cat into an adept survivor, with adaptations such as dense fur for insulation and a low metabolic rate to conserve energy. Despite their resilience, the species faces challenges from habitat degradation due to human activities, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these unique and highly adapted creatures and their critical, though inhospitable, natural habitats.

The reproductive cycle of the Pallas’s cat is uniquely adapted to its harsh environment, featuring a very brief breeding season that critically impacts its population growth. Females are receptive for only a few days each year, leading to the birth of two to six kittens after a gestation period of about 66 to 75 days. The survival of these kittens, born in secluded dens to protect against predators and the elements, is precarious, with high mortality rates due to predation, disease, and environmental challenges.

This, coupled with the species’ short breeding season, results in slow population increases, underscoring the difficulties in conserving the Pallas’s cat. However, in captivity, where such threats are minimised, these cats can live up to 11 years, offering hope through captive breeding programs that aim to bolster wild populations and provide insights into effective conservation strategies.

While not immediately threatened with global extinction, the Pallas’s cat confronts a precarious future characterised by several pressing challenges. Across its range, numerous populations of this elusive feline are small, isolated, and on a downward trend, making them vulnerable to localised and regional extinctions. These populations grapple with a multitude of threats, including habitat degradation and fragmentation, predation by dogs, diminished prey availability, and the risk of accidental capture. Such challenges underscore the urgent need for focused conservation efforts to safeguard the future of the Pallas’s cat, ensuring its continued survival across the diverse and rugged landscapes it inhabits.

Conservation efforts for the Pallas’s cat are multifaceted, focusing on habitat preservation, research, and public education. Organisations such as the Pallas’s Cat International Conservation Alliance (PICA) and various wildlife trusts are at the forefront of these efforts, conducting field research, community outreach, and advocacy work. International Pallas’s Cat Day plays a significant role in these efforts, bringing global attention to the plight of these cats and the steps needed to ensure their survival.

The Pallas’s cat serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world. As we continue to explore and understand the intricacies of their existence, we are reminded of our responsibility to protect these remarkable creatures and the wild landscapes they inhabit. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Pallas’s cat, not just on International Pallas’s Cat Day, but every day, as we work towards a future where they roam free and secure in their mountainous realms.

In celebrating the enigmatic Pallas’s cat, we are invited to look closer at the world around us, to discover the hidden wonders that lie in wait. It’s a journey of conservation, understanding, and, most importantly, respect for the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. The Pallas’s cat, with its solitary grace and resilience, offers us a glimpse into the wild heart of Asia – a heart that beats strongly, despite the challenges it faces.

By Assaf Levy, BioDB

World Earth Day: Group canvasses end to scourge of plastics

Michael Simire
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World Earth Day: Group canvasses end to scourge of plastics

A non-governmental organisation, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), on Monday, April 22, 2024, called for collective action to end the use of plastics suffocating the earth with its harmful products.

Philippines
Plastic waste pollution

A statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by HOMEF media officer, Kome Odhomor, to mark the 2024 World Earth Day, said there should be conscious efforts to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being.

The statement quoted Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, as advocating for a better planet and urging all inhabitants of the earth to be active ecological defenders in their communities.

“Now is a critical time to choose between planet and plastic. Good sense tells us to choose the planet, our Mother Earth that sustains all lives. Poor sense driven by profit urges humans to choose plastics because of the ease they bring, despite the harmful impacts on our health, climate, and overall health of the planet.

“As we mark World Earth Day 2024, the alarm must be sounded that it is time to uproot plastics from their fossil base or be ready to be turned into plastic humans living plastic lives and heading to an infernal plastic future.

“At HOMEF, we are all for the planet, people, and other people” Bassey was quoted as saying.

The organisation said that the World Earth Day was to remind people across the world of the need to protect and preserve the earth.

“The International Mother Earth Day’s theme this year ‘Planet Vs Plastic’ urges us to build a livable future for humans, other beings, and natural systems.

“We stand united in our fight against non-biodegradable waste pollution.

“Our addiction to single-use plastics suffocates the planet. Plastics are non-biodegradable waste; these materials do not decompose with time, can take up space, and cause harmful impacts as a result of their chemical composition.

“Our planet is choked with plastics and in most parts of it from mindless extraction of fossil fuel,” HOMEF stated.

The group said research had indicated that 380 million tonnes of plastic are being produced annually, while only nine percent of plastics ever produced has been recycled.

HOMEF noted that campaigns around the world calling for a 60 per cent reduction in plastic by 2040 is commendable and worthy of support.

“At HOMEF we believe in the intrinsic Rights of Mother Earth and the rights of humans and other beings to be respected and to live in dignity.

“It is time to build up courage and to preserve and protect our health, and our livelihoods by embracing alternatives that are sustainable, healthy, and safe for the planet and we must stop all forms of destructive extractive activities in Nigeria, Africa and the World.

“The Planet vs Plastics campaign is a call to arms, a demand that we act now to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being upon our planet,” it added.

By Nathan Nwakamma

What to give our planet – and its people – for Earth Day? Climate Income is the perfect present

Michael Simire
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What to give our planet – and its people – for Earth Day? Climate Income is the perfect present

As Earth Day (April 22) comes around again, we find ourselves at a crossroads, with the path we choose likely to determine whether or not human beings can preserve a livable world for everyone.

Earth Day
Joseph Robertson (right) and Dr Michael Terungwa David

The need to accelerate the pace of decarbonisation has grown more urgent as planetary warming shows no signs of abating. Last July, the Earth experienced four days in a row of record-shattering temperatures. The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported in February that during the previous 12 months, global temperatures were 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than the pre-industrial era, breaching, at least for a year, a dangerous threshold for warming. Increased temperatures are melting Greenland’s ice so fast that the melt off threatens to shut down the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation which contains the Gulf Stream that keeps much of Europe from freezing over.

In Nigeria, the story is not different. The escalation of climate variability in Nigeria has led to heightened and irregular rainfall patterns, drought, floods and rising temperature hinder agricultural production, reducing food security and negatively impacting health and nutrition and a negative impact on Nigeria’s economy.

So, what is the path to avoid the collapse of environmental systems? Every major study agrees we must stop burning fossil fuels – the source of most heat-trapping gases – as quickly as possible. Currently, the speed with which we’re phasing out the use of oil, gas and coal is not fast enough to contain warming to 1.5 C.

“As things stand, demand for fossil fuels is set to remain far too high to keep within reach the Paris Agreement goal of limiting the rise in average global temperatures to 1.5°C,” the International Energy Agency said in a report last fall.

A UN report released just before COP28 in Dubai predicts that current emissions pledges put the world on track to warm nearly 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. “Present trends are racing our planet down a dead-end 3C temperature rise,” said U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. “The emissions gap is more like an emissions canyon.”

There is, however, a tool that can accelerate the phaseout of fossil fuels, one that nearly all economists agree on: a price on carbon. The catch, though, is that to discourage the demand for these fuels, the price, tax or fee on the carbon pollution these fuels emit needs to be very high. Such a high price will increase costs, creating an economic burden for households everywhere and causing a backlash against governments that impose a carbon price.

But what if we can lift that economic burden off the shoulders of people and put it squarely on polluters where it belongs? The solution is simple. Take the revenue collected from the carbon fee and give it to households, a policy known as climate income. A working paper from Citizens’ Climate Education on the financial impact of one such policy found that two-thirds of households would receive more than enough money to offset their increased costs. Because they have a relatively small carbon footprint, people in low- and middle-income households are likely to receive more than they need to offset costs, climate income, if you will.

In Canada, where carbon tax revenue is returned to households through the Carbon Rebate programme, the price on carbon is now $80 per ton of carbon dioxide. To ensure that the carbon tax will achieve the desired emissions reductions, the price will rise to $170 per ton by 2030. This would not be possible politically without the Carbon Rebate, whereby 80% of households get as much or more than the increased cost associated with the carbon price.

The Nigerian Climate Change Act 2021- part IV schedule talks about carbon pricing, although Nigeria is yet to adopt a carbon pricing policy. The director general of the National Council on Climate Change stated in August 2023 that the Nigerian Government would explore carbon pricing to mitigate climate change.

In order to maintain a level playing field for businesses in countries that price carbon, a fee can be assessed to imports at the border, a policy known as a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). The European Union is currently rolling out a CBAM that will take effect in 2026. Such a tariff will provide a strong incentive for the EU’s trading partners to implement a carbon price of their own to avoid paying a border fee.

As we pause this Earth Day to appreciate our life-sustaining planet, let’s resolve to take meaningful action to preserve a livable world by speeding up the transition away from fossil fuels. Climate income – a carbon price with revenue given to households – is an effective tool for achieving that goal.

By Joseph Robertson and Dr Michael Terungwa David

Robertson is the Executive Director of Citizens’ Climate International while David is the Africa Regional Coordinator living in Nigeria

U.S. unveils global food security strategy plan for Nigeria

Michael Simire
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U.S. unveils global food security strategy plan for Nigeria

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says the U.S. government has unveiled its new Global Food Security Strategy Country Plan for Nigeria.

Melissa Jones
Melissa Jones, Mission Director, USAID

Melissa Jones, Mission Director, USAID, who disclosed this at the “1st Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition” in Abuja, said the plan was unveiled in March.

Jones said the plan was in tandem with President Joe Biden’s commitment to improve food security in Nigeria.

The conference was organised by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), among others.

Jones said the new strategy prioritised the value chains of rice, maize and horticulture in six states of Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara.

According to him, the programme builds on previous achievements and lessons learned; prioritises inclusive participation, value chain, climate adaptation and private sector engagement.

The director said USAID looked forward to partnering with the Nigerian Government specifically the NSPRI to advance the technology and infrastructure needed to reduce post-harvest losses in Nigeria.

Jones identified the conference as timely in view of the growing food insecurity coupled with a food price inflation rate of over 40 per cent and a rise in the overall cost of living.

He decried that the rise in cost of living had brought untold hardship to millions of the populace that could not afford basic staples.

“Currently, Nigeria post-harvest losses are almost 50 per cent for fresh produce.

“It is critical that we all come together to focus on ensuring that the hard work of farmers is not lost in post-harvest and passes to the consumers who are in need,” Jones said.

Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, ARCN, identified one of the major problems in the country as concentrating all efforts on food production and neglecting post-harvest activities.

According to him, the conference is the beginning of sensitising the public, government and farmers to the need to actually look at post-harvest activities.

The theme of the conference was “Scaling Appropriate Post-Harvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security.’’

By Felicia Imohimi

Post-harvest solutions, catalyst for poverty reduction, economic growth – IFAD

Michael Simire
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Post-harvest solutions, catalyst for poverty reduction, economic growth – IFAD

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) says post-harvest solutions are key for catalysing poverty reduction and economic growth.

Dede Ekoue
Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director

Mrs Dede Ekoue, IFAD Nigeria Country Director, spoke at the “1st Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition” holding in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is “Scaling Appropriate Postharvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security.’’

The conference was organised by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), among others.

Ekoue said the conference’s theme underscored the critical role that appropriate post-harvest solutions played in achieving sustainable food production, ensuring food security and addressing nutrition challenges.

She said it was estimated that the country lost N3.5 trillion annually due to post harvest losses.

Ekoue said that smallholder farmers as mostly affected by the challenge.

She, however, said that IFAD was jointly financing transformative projects in line with the National Food System Transformation Pathways in contribution to the reduction of post-harvest losses.

Ekoue identified some of the projects as the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).

“These projects ensure access to finance by small-scale farmers and cooperatives for investment in post-harvest facilities and equipment, establishment of collective/community-based processing and storage centers with appropriate equipment including digital equipment.

“Training farmers on post-harvest handling and storage skills including timing of harvest, crop drying, moisture management and safe storage and upgrading of grain drying equipment.

“Support to the formation and implementation of national agricultural strategies and food systems policies that promote, enhanced government’s investments and multi-stakeholder’s cooperation for the reduction of post-harvest losses,” he said.

The country director said IFAD and the Federal Government, through the FMAFS, had launched new Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) 2024 to 2029.

She said the gesture aligned with the transformation strategies of Presidential Emergency Declaration on the country’s Food Security.

According to her, the new cooperation strategy will scale up investments and deepen stakeholders’ partnership to further reduce post-harvest losses for more inclusive and sustainable food system.

She assured that the organisation would leverage the potential of NSPRI in achieving the strategic objective.

The NSPRI is one of the research institutes under the supervision of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in FMAFSl.

It is mandated to carry out research into bulk storage problems of export commodities and local food crops.

By Felicia Imohimi

Joyce Banda to launch campaign to drum investments in energy access in Africa

Michael Simire
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Joyce Banda to launch campaign to drum investments in energy access in Africa

Former President of Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda, will launch the Six30 Campaign in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Dr Joyce Banda
Dr Joyce Banda

The Six30 Campaign aims to mobilise and enlist public and private donors to substantially increase funding and investments in renewable energy projects across the continent.

It is led by the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (ACSEA), the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), and several other partners. The campaign will run from 2024 to 2030, coinciding with the end of the SDGs.

The goal is to spur investments upwards of $630 billion to bring electricity to 630 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

The campaign aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, emphasising clean energy access, poverty reduction, and climate resilience.

Energy poverty: a silent crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Approximately 630 million people in the region live without reliable access to electricity, while some 790 million people without modern energy services rely on solid biomass (such as wood and charcoal) for cooking and heating.

This absence of modern energy services perpetuates poverty, limits economic opportunities, and affects overall well-being – all drivers of climate change vulnerability.

Multiple factors account for the low access to sustainable energy services, but all are linked to or exacerbated by a lack of substantial and adequate financing.

Funders pledge $60.8m to protect the Mediterranean Sea

Michael Simire
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Funders pledge $60.8m to protect the Mediterranean Sea

In a landmark move to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Mediterranean Sea, philanthropic organisations aim to contribute to the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of the Mediterranean by 2030, with 10% designated as strict protected areas.

Dona Bertarelli and HSH Prince Albert II
Dona Bertarelli and HSH Prince Albert II

To achieve this goal, an estimated $277 million is needed. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation together with other leading private and public donors¹ have pledged a total of $60.8 million towards marine conservation efforts over the next five years. They are joined in the effort to support “30×30” in the region by other prominent private donors. The announcement was made in the occasion of the Our Ocean Conference held in Athens, Greece from April 15 to 17, 2024.

The Mediterranean region, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and status as a global hotspot for endemic species, is facing mounting threats from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. Despite efforts in the past, only 8.33% of the Mediterranean currently enjoys protection, with regulations often as weak inside marine protected areas (MPAs) as outside. Moreover, a mere 0.23% of the region is fully or highly protected.

Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, the funders emphasise the need for decisive action to preserve the Mediterranean’s fragile ecosystems. This includes phasing out destructive activities like bottom trawling and strengthening the management of existing marine protected areas, such as the Pelagos Sanctuary, which constitutes nearly half of the region’s protected marine space.

The substantial financial commitment from both private and public donors underscores a collective determination to address the pressing conservation challenges facing the Mediterranean Sea. It is hoped that this collaboration will inspire further support from additional donors and partners to join the effort in protecting one of the world’s most vital marine ecosystems.

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco said: “Efforts to protect the Mediterranean Sea have grown over the years, but not fast enough. Last year, countries committed to achieving the global 30×30 target. Urgent action is needed at all levels if we are to meet this ambitious target. With this pledge, private and public donors call upon others to join the effort. We are committed to push for an effective 30% protection by 2030, including 10% strict protection.”

Ben Goldsmith, Conservation Collective chair and founder, said: “We’re excited to see our budget for marine protection projects across the Conservation Collective network in the Mediterranean grow year on year. There’s so much to do, and nothing more rewarding than seeing effectively managed MPAs breathe life back into this magical sea.”

Dona Bertarelli, Philanthropist, IUCN Patron of Nature and Ocean Advocate, said: “I am proud to be part of a collective effort to expand the protection of the Mediterranean, a region of immense ecological significance and rich biodiversity. With the introduction of the 30×30 funding pledge, we are united in our goal to ensure that 30% of the Mediterranean is effectively preserved. This commitment is built on the principles of inclusive decision-making and empowering local communities, which are crucial for the sustainable future of the Mediterranean Sea.

“By channeling increased financial resources into marine protection, we are investing in robust positive nature conservation initiatives that safeguard both biodiversity and local livelihoods. I am hopeful that our collaborative approach will inspire global efforts and serve as a model for protecting invaluable natural resources for generations to come.”

Cameroon restates commitment to partner Nigeria on forestry, wildlife conservation

Michael Simire
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Cameroon restates commitment to partner Nigeria on forestry, wildlife conservation

The government of Cameroon has restated its commitment to work closely with Nigeria to ensure effective implementation of policy framework for sustainable management of transboundary ecosystems conservation between both countries.

Nigeria and Cameroon
Ministers of the environment of Nigeria, Balarabe Lawal, and Cameroon, Mr. Jules Ndongo, signing the agreement

Mr Jules Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, made this known in his keynote address at the official signing ceremony of the cooperation framework agreement between the two countries on Friday, April 19, 2024, in Abuja.

The agreement also focused on management of forestry and wildlife resources.

According to Ndongo, the historical and fraternal ties between Cameroon and Nigeria have great deal of strength, therefore, the need to deepen such ties to promote shared prosperity.

He said, “This is most common among our people living at the transboundary regions between the two countries.

“Some of their transaction involves the exportation and marketing of timber, other forest products and bush meats.

“It should be underscored that we cannot ascertain all these activities are carried out legally. The exportation of forestry resources and cross-border poaching are serious offenses.

“The context of cooperation and cross-border management of our forestry and wildlife resources through this agreement is aimed at implementing cross-border policies and programmes among other things.

“The government of Cameroon will do anything possible at its level to work closely with Nigeria toward implementing the agreement.”

In another keynote address, the Nigeria Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, assured Ndongo and the Cameroonian delegation of the Federal Government’s determination to achieve targets through the partnership.

Lawal said, “Nigeria and Cameroon do not just share common borders, but also have shared vision on the best approach towards protection of the resources between the two countries.

“This is for the overall wellbeing of our people, irrespective of the social, economic, environmental and cultural development of the two countries.”

He commended supports by the governments of Germany, the U.S., United Nations, European Union and other partners to have contributed towards the success so far recorded in the preservation of forestry and wildlife resources.

In his remark, Danter Renna, Environment, Science, Technology and Health Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, commended the milestone reached between Nigeria and Cameroon in terms of forestry and wildlife conservation.

According to him, the U.S. will support the agreement between Nigeria and Cameroon in the forestry and wildlife conservation, and preservation, particularly how such ideas promote cooperation among them.

“The U.S. is proud to be a partner between Nigeria and Cameroon, as well as in their work to preserve the natural ecosystem both share at transboundary levels,” he said.

Highpoint of the event was goodwill messages from the Embassy of Germany in Nigeria, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Ndongo and Lawal respectively.

By Fortune Abang

Agriculture stakeholders recommend more investment in post-harvest management

Michael Simire
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0
Agriculture stakeholders recommend more investment in post-harvest management

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for improved investment by government and private organisations in the area of technology and infrastructure to enhance post-harvest management in the country.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

They made the call on Friday, April 19, 2024, in Abuja at the “1st Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition.”

The theme of the conference is “Scaling Appropriate Post-Harvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security.”

The stakeholders said that the measure would guarantee food and nutrition security, income generation and make the nation an agricultural hub in the world.

Dr Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), said more investments were required in post-harvest management to transform the food system in alignment with the challenges of small holder farmers in Africa.

Kanangire, in his paper entitled, “Scaling Appropriate Postharvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security,” said addressing post-harvest challenge would make huge impact in commercialisation, improve climate resilience among farmers.

According to him, Nigeria loses a lot of revenues due to post-harvest challenges.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa; we take one step forward in productivity and take two steps backward in post-harvest management,” he said.

Represented by Dr Emmanuel Okogbenin, a Senior Official in AATF, Kanangire further recommended that research institutes and investors should strengthen post-harvest management technology transfer delivery processes to reach smallholder farmers with technological support.

According to him, any technological innovations should consider the plight of farmers with regards to finances.

“So, there must be reduction in cost for affordability of small holder farmers,” he said.

Dr Alfred Dixon, Chairman, Governing Board, Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), said boosting post-harvest solutions not only enhanced food availability but also ensured that nutritious food reached those who needed it most.

Dixon, who is also the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Country Representative in Sierra Leone, said Nigeria was facing challenges relating to post-harvest and food security.

He emphasised that through appropriate practices like scaling post-harvest solutions, tangible difference would be made in the lives of individuals and families.

“Sustainable postharvest practices not only help in reducing food losses but also contribute to the overall well-being of communities by ensuring access to nutritious food.

“Our efforts in promoting such practices are crucial in driving positive change and fostering resilience within Nigerian communities,” he said.

Dixon said the conference served as a light of hope to inspire others to join hands in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

Dr Simon Ehui, Director General, IITA, said through collaborations post-harvest management could be revolutionalised, reduce food and waste as well as promote equitable access to nutritious food for all.

Jones, represented by Dr Beatrice Aoghewi, Head of Station, Abuja, quoted the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as saying that Sub-Saharan Africa experienced 20 per cent of food loss.

Dr Godwin Atser, Country Director, Sasakawa Africa Foundation, said curtailing post-harvest could make Nigeria food secured nation.

Atser assured that the organisation would continue to support initiatives geared towards making the nation food secured and enhance wealth in agricultural production.

The conference was organised by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other stakeholders.

By Felicia Imohimi

NNPC, First E&P achieve 20,000bpd production at OML 85

Michael Simire
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0
NNPC, First E&P achieve 20,000bpd production at OML 85

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and its Joint Venture partner in OML 85, First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P), have commenced oil production from the asset also known as Madu Field.

NNPC
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari

Production from the field which is located in shallow waters offshore Bayelsa State and operated by First E&P is expected to be at an average of 20,000 barrels per day.

The achievement is a testament to the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to optimise production from the nation’s oil and gas assets through the provision of enabling environment for existing and prospective investors.

Speaking on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari, described the commencement of oil production at the Madu Field as a significant milestone that will contribute to the larger goal of meeting the production required to drive revenue growth and boost the nation’s economy.

Kyari, who commended stakeholders for their support, also explained that the addition of 20,000 barrels per day by an indigenous oil player signals the commitment of stakeholders to achieving economic development for Nigeria.

It will be recalled that the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the development of the Madu Field and a sister field, Anyala, was taken by the NNPC Ltd/First E&P JV in 2018.

Production from the Madu Field will be processed at the JV’s Abigail-Joseph Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Unit, which has a crude oil storage capacity of up to 800,000bbls.

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