"Fruit-Security" in Africa

Every time I watch TV or travel abroad, I have always wondered about how fruits play such an important role in nutrition and wellness yet we, in fertile Africa, remain largely undernourished!
Indeed, lots of African women and children are malnourished! Where are all the agric budgets, all the foreign loans, all the development aid & grants, all the FAO help, all the IFAD funding, etc. etc. etc.??? Gone with the winds to....you know where!

We in Nigeria, for example, can certainly produce a large chunk of the needed fruits on our own continent, and still profitably export to the world. But just come around and see the huge waste in the form of post-harvest losses in our largely subsistent farming environment! It is really such a shame that after EIGHT years of both democracy and unprecedented oil & gas revenues, no one has paid due attention to this mess. Nigerians are hungry at both personal and family levels. Big pity. Poverty in the midst of plenty! This must change. From this year. Yes.

I am not now complaining anymore. No use. What I propagate is a massive intervention in the area of Fruit-Security for our citizens, our compatriots on the continent, and the huge market abroad. I ask all who can farm to do so now. And I invite the local governments to ignore both their state as well as the federal governments in the question of agro-allied business, and just work with their own residents! Attract them, cajole them, coax them, command them, reward them: do what it takes. And do it fast. Very fast.

I'm teaming up with some development colleagues to see how we can learn from, and bring in, partners from successful Asian and East European countries. After the April elections, we will reach out to Local Government Chairmen nationwide (and there are 774 of them!) to pursue a Citizens' Compact in this regard. If a mere 30% of them play ball, we're in business! Good and timely business. In time, others and the moribund private sector will join the train.

Enough is finally enough!
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Research-AFRICA: R & D for ENERGY

I've watched German and Chinese TV channels overtime with awe and pain at once! The efforts, pains-takingness, costs and pride with which they pursue, promote and preserve their national development and heritage are simply astounding. I've read endlessly about Japan and South Korea: their leadership in cutting-edge technology without trashing their rich culture! I've also followed the resurgent pride with which old India is emerging as a sure-footed super-power. Oh, these folks just thrill me! Then Brazil: its industrial prowess and huge energy strides. Now, it is proudly a member of the celebrated, if dreaded, "BRIC" block (Brazil, Russia, India, China)! Wow.

Whither Africa? That is my question, and quest, each and every time. And it hurts and thrills at once! I know that a few countries can do same solo but we better do things jointly from now on: The African Team - The African Way!

With the combined human, natural and financial resources at their disposal, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Algeria and Libya should lead the way right away.

Day One is about Research and Development (R&D).

Day One is about our skilled souls, heads and hands both Home & Diaspora.

Day One starts with ENERGY in all its ramifications, especially RENEWABLE sources.

Kick-starting this intervention must naturally be SOLAR, HYDRO and WIND energy supply for both the continent and the world. I am thrilled by the vast expanse of deserts, mountains and waters within our territories as well as the rich untapped and under-utilised agro-spaces. Our ecology and geography are awe-inspiring, breath-taking and exotic! Why waste them?

See what the Libyan President did with channeling water from the Mediterranean (8th Wonder of the World, it was dubbed)! Come to Nigeria and see what a wonder the Tinapa Project of our Cross River State is: a tourism master-stroke by a youthful visionary governor!

Part of my concern is the plight of poorer African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. Many of them also have our links to the rather docile Commonwealth of Nations. If we act sensibly and courageously, we can pull these countries out of poverty, and up with us all. I am particularly worried about their energy bills - in the face of crippling oil/gas prices. How do they cope?!!

With the SIX listed African countries putting in a billion US dollars each, we can get the private sector to match the grant for this intervention: somewhere between 12 and 20 billion dollars will spin surprises in this project. And that's not an arm and a leg, is it?

Let's sign the cheques!