Covenant University and development experts have urged greater research into food preservation, distribution and the difficulties facing farmers as a way to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria.

The call came from a joint summit held to mark World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The Dean of the College of Science and Technology, Prof Afolabi Sunmola, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, said universities should focus on practical solutions that address real problems in agricultural production and food supply. He noted that research needs to go beyond simply increasing crop yields.

Experts at the summit pointed out that high costs of fertilisers and seeds, insecurity in rural areas and climate challenges are disrupting traditional farming cycles. They also identified poor food preservation facilities as a major cause of post-harvest losses that reduce the amount of food available to consumers.

Participants called for research into affordable cold-storage options and better distribution systems so that farmers can keep their produce longer and reach markets before it spoils. They stressed that technology should be judged by how much it improves people’s daily lives rather than by how new or advanced it appears.

The summit also emphasised the need for closer collaboration between universities, development organisations and other stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that research findings are turned into workable solutions that help reduce hunger and ease the economic pressures facing vulnerable households.