Umar’s Vision: NIHSA and GHI Partner to End Hunger in Nigeria

By Mohammed Bello Doka

In a landmark development poised to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, Arc Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), is leading a pivotal partnership with the Green Habitat Initiative (GHI). This collaboration, aimed at enhancing food security and addressing hunger, represents a monumental step forward for the nation.

Unveiled at a forum on July 29, 2024, the Radio and Internet Technology for Agricultural Resilience (RANETA) project is set to revolutionize how climate and weather information is used to support farmers. Umar Bari, Team Lead and Project Coordinator of RANETA, explained how the initiative will leverage existing infrastructure to provide actionable climate data, crucial for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.

Arc Umar Ibrahim Mohammed has been instrumental in advancing this partnership, underscoring the critical role of water management in agriculture. “The integration of NIHSA’s hydrological data with GHI’s technology is an exceptional advancement for food security,” he remarked. His leadership highlights the groundbreaking nature of this collaboration, which promises to create a powerful framework for boosting agricultural resilience. By converting climate and weather data into practical advice for farmers, the RANETA project will help them adapt to environmental changes, leading to enhanced crop yields and reduced hunger.

The forum featured in-depth discussions on how NIHSA’s resources will support the RANETA project, further emphasizing the significance of this partnership. This historic collaboration is set to benefit from successful global models, such as in India and Kenya, where similar technological advancements have substantially improved food security and reduced poverty.

For Nigeria, the RANETA project could be a game-changer, not only addressing immediate hunger concerns but also fostering long-term agricultural sustainability. Nigerians should celebrate and support this initiative as it represents a decisive move towards ending hunger and improving livelihoods across the country. By embracing and promoting this partnership, we can look forward to a future where food security is a reality for all.