The Kwara State government, in North Central Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and strengthening household food systems at the Joint Implementation Support Mission of the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) 2.0 Project held in Abuja.

ANRiN 2.0 is a federal initiative designed to accelerate nutrition results across the country by linking agriculture, health, and social welfare interventions. The event brought together representatives from 21 participating states to review progress and deepen collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of Commissioners for Agriculture from the participating states, the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, highlighted the Convergence of Food Systems component, which links agriculture and nutrition to improve household food security and overall family wellbeing.

He explained that: "The programme promotes homestead gardening, crop production and other nutrition-sensitive practices to increase food availability and dietary diversity."

Dr. Alabi noted that successful adoption of these practices requires:

• Training for state-level trainers.
• Support for agricultural extension officers.
• Direct guidance for households.

He said that participating states, including Kwara, will benefit from expanded access to climate-smart agricultural practices and the provision of inputs such as seedlings, vegetable seeds, and small-scale poultry. These measures, Dr. Alabi said, are expected to build resilience and reduce vulnerability to food insecurity.

Dr. Alabi emphasized that the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remains committed to supporting families as they adopt these practices.

The strong presence of the Kwara delegation which also included the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, and the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Ronke Arinde underscores the State's commitment to integrated approaches in strengthening food systems.

The State encouraged households, farmers, and community stakeholders to embrace homestead gardening, crop production, and other nutrition-sensitive practices to improve local food security and enhance family nutrition.