Nigeria and Cuba Strengthen Agricultural Partnership.
Nigeria and Cuba join efforts to strengthen agriculture and guarantee food security. Nigeria will benefit from Cuba's agricultural capacity in areas such as the bilateral relationship covering agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the G77 + China Leaders' Summit, with this objective. This historic collaboration solidifies ties between the two nations in the field of agriculture.
The Signing of the MOU
On the sidelines of the G77 + China Leaders' Summit, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Cuba, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, on food security and advancements in agriculture.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) represents a historic journey to strengthen ties between Nigeria and Cuba in the field of agriculture. The signing ceremony took place at the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture in the presence of representatives from both countries.
During the pre-signing meeting, Sen. Kyari praised the Cuban government's willingness to collaborate with Nigeria, highlighting that both countries share a common vision for their people.
The Minister expressed deep gratitude for sharing insights into Nigeria’s pressing food and agricultural opportunities and challenges. He also highlighted Nigeria's demographic advantage, vast land resources and immense agricultural potential, promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision for food and nutrition security.
“It was in this spirit that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development evolved into the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,” he said.
Senator Kyari extended a hand of partnership to his Cuban counterparts focusing on vital areas such as biofortification of agricultural products, improvement of agricultural seeds and young plants, agricultural mechanization, cutting-edge technologies to increase yields and the reduction of post- harvest.
The Minister also stated that:
“Nigeria is deeply interested in collaborating with Cuba in the fields of poultry, livestock and fisheries.”
Expanded Cooperation Between Nigeria and Cuba
Key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Cuba include veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination and the development of pasture and livestock farming as essential components to combat the challenges posed by inefficient open livestock grazing.
Other fields include training, capacity building and knowledge transfer as the cornerstone of any prosperous agricultural economy.
In his own words, the Cuban Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Jesus Perez Brito, who signed the MOU, briefed the Nigerian delegation on the island nation's agricultural capabilities, acknowledging that the country has " more than 500.000 hectares under cultivation " and continues to be " a global player in the export of tobacco, coffee, honey and other commodities ."
Mr. Brito expressed delight at the opportunity to collaborate between Nigeria and Cuba, stating that his country would provide impactful cooperation in the areas identified in the MOU.
The host Minister highlighted Cuba's agricultural human capital and different models of practices that increased its productivity. He also explained that his country would use its vast experience to help Nigeria achieve its agriculture and food security policies.
Nigeria will benefit from Cuba's agricultural capacity in areas such as the bilateral relationship covering agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
The Nigerian delegation to the G77 + China Leaders' Summit in Cuba was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Senator Abubakar Kyari were accompanied to the ceremony by the Nigerian Ambassador to Cuba, HE Ben Okoyen and other members of the Nigerian delegation.
Conclusion
Nigeria and Cuba signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding in the area of agriculture, aiming to improve food security, agricultural productivity and technology transfer. This partnership promises mutual benefits and meaningful collaboration across diverse agricultural sectors.
However, the question that must be asked is where is Brazil, the country with the best capabilities for this type of collaboration with Africa, as it has climatic and environmental conditions, very similar to the African continent.
What do you think of this collaboration between Nigeria and Cuba? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
Picture: © 2023 DR
