Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, has emphasized the urgent need to enhance nutrition education at the women-pickers-to-processors/” title=”How Export Bans Could Strip … Pickers of Their Earnings-While Boosting Processors' Profits, Not Government Revenue”>community level, particularly focusing on women prior to conception, as a strategic measure to tackle malnutrition in Nigeria.
Addressing attendees through Dr. Mamoud Yashi, the District Head of Shanono, at the 2025 Nutritious Food Fair in Kano, the Emir described malnutrition as a profound societal challenge, highlighting its persistent impact on the health of women and children.
He called on policymakers and traditional authorities to prioritize nutritional interventions targeting women before and during pregnancy, stressing that nutritional deficits identified after birth are often irreversible.
Sanusi underscored the value of utilizing indigenous food resources in combating malnutrition, stating, “Our environment provides us with nutrient-rich foods such as milk, groundnuts, beans, sesame seeds, and vegetable oils, which, if effectively harnessed, can significantly reduce malnutrition.” He also urged collaboration between healthcare providers and cultural institutions to educate expectant mothers on optimal dietary habits.
Additionally, the Emir proposed modest financial assistance for pregnant women, suggesting that a daily support of as little as N200 could substantially alleviate malnutrition within communities. He praised the organizers of the fair for their dedication to advancing food security and public health.
Dr. Yusuf Fu’ad, Country Manager for HarvestPlus Solution, noted that the event, aligned with World Food Day, marks five years of efforts to promote nutrition-sensitive agricultural value chains in northern Nigeria, supported by the UK-funded Propcom+ initiative.
“The biofortified crops we promote are not only high-yielding but also rich in essential nutrients, enhancing both farmers’ incomes and community nutrition. This fair provides a platform to assess our achievements and explore employment prospects within these value chains,” he explained.
Dr. Adiya Ode, Country Representative of Propcom+, highlighted Nigeria’s alarming position at 115th out of 123 countries on the 2025 Global Hunger Index, with over 31.8 million individuals experiencing severe food insecurity.
She stressed the fundamental role of food in sustaining life and called for reinforced collaborations to ensure that nutritious food becomes more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all.
Dr. Ode reaffirmed the UK government’s ongoing support for climate-resilient, market-oriented solutions that empower smallholder farmers, bolster local economies, and promote improved nutrition as a pathway to a healthier future.
Key moments from the fair included the launch of a millet-focused publication by Governor Abba Yusuf’s representative, Commissioner of Health Abubakar Labaran, the introduction of the Smart Mother initiative, and the Nutri Quiz finals for schoolchildren, among other activities.
