Khartoum- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) received representatives from the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) at FAO premises in Khartoum to plan for a joint mission technical support to Borno state, Nigeria, in the fields of agriculture and livestock.

The economy of Borno state is largely agrarian, with livestock husbandry, crop production and fishing on the Lake Chad dominating the economic activities of the population. Agriculture is mainly subsistent, with over 70 percent of it’s population depending on it directly or indirectly for their livelihoods. It provides the bulk of employment, income, foodand clothing for the rapidly growing population as well as supplying raw materials for agro-based industries. In Borno state, agriculture contributes up to 65 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product, food production (crop/animal and fishing) contribute to only 5.9 percent of the food needs of the state. Virtually, 94 percent of food consumed in Borno are imported either in form of credit or support from non-governmental organizations NGOs.

FAO Representative Babagana Ahmadu, enlightened the participants on the situation in Borno state and how FAO can be the United Nations entity for facilitation of effective collaboration between AOAD and BADEA to support the development of Agriculture and livestock sectors in Borno.

“Borno state is facing a significant decline in the fields of agriculture and livestock’s production, we need to transfer the international and Sudanese experiences in these fields”, said Babagana.

The meeting discussed the need to improve the production of wheat, gum Arabic, date palms and livestock as strategic commodities in the state using international and Sudanese expertise in these areas.

Osman Alfaiel the Advisor of the Director General of BADEA expressed the commitment of BADEA on this initiative.

 “This mission is to prepare the grounds for the collaboration between FAO, AOAD and BADEA in targeting development in Borno state”, said Osman.