Institute of Food Security

director
ifs

Professor Oto J. Okwu MNIM

Why IFS?

The new direction of establishing IFS reflects the recommendation of the Senate Committee set up to examine the emerging situation following the earlier closure of the Centre for Food and Agricultural Strategy (CEFAS) and the inadequate role of the Cooperative Extension Centre (CEC) in meeting the University's original mission and mandate in food security. The Committee found some factors which affected the performance of the defunct CEFAS and the then CEC, including inadequate funding and staffing, limited functions as well as weak linkages, internally and externally. The underlying philosophy of IFS is based on the principle of human rights to adequate food entitlements.

Nature

The Institute of Food Security, JOSTUM, is a semi-autonomous body approved by the University Governing Council to fill the intellectual gaps in terms of knowledge and information, analytical and advisory capacity, as well as advocacy and brokerage functions on food security in Nigeria in particular and the world at large.

Vision

The Institute seeks sustainable solutions to end hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria and worldwide. It collaborates with government agencies, public institutions, private enterprises, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society. Rooted in the principle of fundamental human rights to adequate food, it strives for a nation free from hunger and malnutrition.

Mission

The mission of IFS is to provide solutions that reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. This is informed by the need for sustainable food security and poverty reduction in Nigeria through scientific research and research-related activities in the fields of agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries, policy and natural resources management. The specific focus of this mission is as follows:

(i) Identifying and analyzing alternative international, national and local policies in support of improved food security and nutrition, emphasizing low-income countries and poor people and the sound management of natural resources base that supports agriculture.

(ii) Contributing to capacity strengthening of people and institutions in developing countries that conduct research on food, agriculture and nutrition policies; and

(iii) Actively engaging in policy communications, making research results available to all those in a position to apply or use them and carrying out dialogues with those users to link research and policy action.

Mandate

The mandates of the Institute include:

i. Increased learning, leadership and linkages that support agencies and organizations in managing their programmes and projects towards the attainment of food security in Nigeria and the world at large.

ii. Develop and demonstrate a system of coordination, efficiencies and information regarding food security in Nigeria and the world.

iii. Develop and demonstrate appropriate methods and approaches to identifying, coordinating and documenting success and failure stories on food-related needs, resources and solutions.

iv. Promote the sustainability of food security in the country and support food security policies and plans based on identified local and international resources and assets.

Objectives

The objectives of the Institute are, to:

(i) Align the vision of the Institute with the desire of Nigeria to achieve sustainable food security

(ii) Identify and collaborate with programmes and activities, at both national and international levels, towards addressing food security concerns in all ramifications.

(iii) Maintain an optimal organizational structure of the Institute for meeting the minimum standard required in carrying out the Institute’s established mission and mandate.

(iv) Organise relevant practical short training and certificate/diploma/degree courses for actors in the agriculture and food security domain.