6th Annual Halal Food Security Conference – Eti-Osa, Nigeria

The global pursuit of food security is a complex and multifaceted challenge, demanding innovative and community-driven solutions. In a powerful demonstration of local action and faith-based leadership, the Council of Imams and Alfas of the Eti-Osa Muslim Community recently spearheaded a significant initiative to address this critical issue. The 6th Annual Imams and Alfas Conference, a Halal Food Security Conference held at the Eti-Osa Islamic Centre in Lagos, transcended traditional religious discourse to issue a compelling call to action: urging Imams and Muslims across the Eti-Osa region to embrace homestead and backyard farming as a cornerstone of achieving self-sufficiency, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering community resilience.

This initiative not only addresses immediate food needs within the community but also aligns deeply with broader Islamic principles of environmental stewardship, social justice, and collective responsibility.

Related: Nigeria’s Halal Certification Authority to Host 4th International Seminar

Aligning with Sharia and Environmental Responsibility

The conference featured a distinguished lineup of speakers who explored the multifaceted dimensions of food security through a distinctly Islamic lens. Professor I.O. Uthman from the University of Ibadan provided invaluable insights into the Sharia perspective on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and crossbreeding. His presentation emphasized the paramount importance of adhering to halal dietary choices, ensuring that food consumption aligns with core Islamic principles.

Professor Uthman articulated a fundamental principle: “If something that is haram (forbidden) is added to something halal (permissible), it renders the entire product haram.” This deeply resonates within the Muslim community, underscoring the necessity for careful consideration of food sources, production methods, and the ethical implications of modern agricultural technologies.

The discussion of GMOs and crossbreeding is particularly pertinent in the context of contemporary agriculture. While these technologies offer potential benefits, such as increased crop yields, enhanced nutritional value, and improved resistance to pests and diseases, they also raise valid concerns about potential risks to human health, biodiversity, and the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. Professor Uthman’s presentation provided a crucial framework for understanding these complex issues from an Islamic perspective, encouraging informed and responsible decision-making within the community. This included discussions on the potential for unintended consequences, the importance of transparency in food labeling, and the need for ongoing research and dialogue on these important topics.

Practical Solutions for Everyday Life

Recognizing the importance of translating theory into practice, the conference’s focus extended beyond abstract discussions to provide practical, actionable solutions for attendees. Mr. Kalamu Musa, a respected representative from the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, delivered a highly informative and engaging presentation on backyard farming techniques. His session empowered attendees with the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary to cultivate their food sources, even within the constraints of limited urban spaces. This hands-on, practical approach is crucial for bridging the gap between awareness and tangible action, enabling individuals and families to take greater control of their food production and contribute to local food security.

Mr. Musa’s presentation likely covered a range of practical and relevant topics, including:

• Soil preparation: Techniques for improving soil fertility using readily available resources and effectively utilizing organic waste to create nutrient-rich compost.
• Choosing appropriate crops: Guidance on selecting crops that are well-suited to the specific local climate, soil conditions, and available space in urban and peri-urban environments.
• Water conservation methods: Efficient irrigation techniques for maximizing water usage, are particularly important in regions facing water scarcity or seasonal droughts.
• Pest management: Environmentally friendly and sustainable methods for protecting crops from common pests and diseases, minimizing the use of harmful chemical pesticides.
• Vertical farming: Techniques for maximizing food production in limited spaces using vertical structures and containers.

By providing this practical training and hands-on guidance, the conference aimed to equip attendees with the necessary tools and confidence to establish and maintain thriving backyard gardens, contributing to household food security and promoting sustainable urban agriculture.

Strengthening Local Networks and Building Resilience

Princess Rashida Abiodun Adu, the chairman of the Iru Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA), further emphasized the critical significance of the conference’s theme and its strong alignment with broader national development goals. She highlighted that food security is not merely a local concern but a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a national initiative focused on addressing key socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.

Princess Adu commended the Council for its proactive approach to tackling this pressing issue and encouraged participants to actively engage in homestead farming, even on a small scale within their homes and communities. Her call to action extended beyond the immediate conference attendees, urging other organizations, community leaders, and government agencies to follow suit and spread awareness about the vital importance of homestead farming in achieving widespread and sustainable food security.

The emphasis on community collaboration is crucial for the success of such initiatives. By working together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual support, individuals, families, and organizations can create a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable local food system. This collaborative approach can involve sharing resources, such as seeds, tools, and knowledge; exchanging best practices and lessons learned; and establishing community gardens or cooperative farming initiatives that benefit the entire community.

Partnerships and Continued Support

The sustained success of the conference and the subsequent backyard farming initiative relies heavily on continued support, strategic partnerships, and ongoing investment. Honorable Noheem Babatunde Adams, Member representing Eti-Osa Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, played a pivotal role as the event’s sole sponsor, demonstrating a strong commitment to investing in community-based solutions to address the pervasive challenge of food security.

Hon. Adams commended the Council for its dedicated efforts in uniting Imams, community leaders, and other stakeholders through the annual conference and pledged his ongoing support for both the mosque and future conferences. This commitment highlights the vital importance of sustained partnerships between community organizations, government agencies at various levels, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other relevant stakeholders in effectively addressing complex and multifaceted issues like food security.

The 6th Annual Imams and Alfas Conference was not simply a one-day event; it served as a powerful catalyst for long-term change, community empowerment, and the promotion of sustainable development. The conference’s central message underscored the crucial role of active participation at all levels in backyard farming initiatives and other sustainable food practices. By encouraging widespread adoption of these practices, the conference emphasized the importance of not only achieving immediate food security but also adhering to fundamental Islamic principles that promote environmental responsibility, social justice, community well-being, and intergenerational equity.

Global and Local Perspectives on Food Security

The conference’s focus on homestead and backyard farming resonates strongly with a growing global trend towards localized food production and greater food system resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in long and complex global food supply chains, prompting a renewed interest in local food systems, urban agriculture, and greater self-sufficiency at the community and household levels. This shift towards local production is also driven by increasing concerns about the environmental impact of industrial agriculture, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution, as well as a growing desire for more sustainable, equitable, and transparent food systems.

According to a 2022 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is playing an increasingly significant role in enhancing food security, particularly in rapidly urbanizing developing countries. The FAO report highlights the significant potential of UPA to contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient food system by reducing transportation costs and associated emissions, minimizing food waste through direct consumption and composting, and creating valuable green spaces within urban environments that improve air quality and enhance urban biodiversity.

Addressing National Concerns and Building Resilience

Nigeria, like many other developing nations across the globe, faces a complex set of challenges in achieving widespread and sustainable food security for its growing population. A 2023 report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) indicates that a substantial portion of the Nigerian population continues to experience moderate or severe food insecurity, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions. Several interconnected factors contribute to this persistent challenge, including the adverse impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity, rapid population growth, ongoing conflicts and insecurity in certain regions of the country, limited access to resources and technology for smallholder farmers, and inadequate infrastructure for food storage, processing, and distribution.

The 6th Annual Imams and Alfas Conference offers a crucial and timely intervention within this complex national context. By promoting homestead and backyard farming, the Council is empowering communities to take direct and meaningful action to improve their food security, build resilience in the face of these multifaceted challenges, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system at the local and national levels. This localized, community-based approach can effectively complement national-level policies and programs aimed at addressing food security and contribute to a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians.

The Crucial Role of Halal in Food Security

The conference’s specific focus on halal food security adds another crucial layer of complexity and importance to the broader discussion. For Muslim communities around the world, ensuring that food is not only physically accessible, affordable, and nutritious but also fully compliant with Islamic dietary laws and ethical principles is of paramount importance. This involves Considering the entire food production process, from the sourcing of ingredients and agricultural inputs to processing, packaging, distribution, and consumption. The emphasis on halal ensures that food security initiatives are culturally sensitive, religiously appropriate, and meet the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community. This includes considerations such as:

• Ethical sourcing of ingredients: Ensuring that animals are slaughtered according to Islamic rites (Zabiha) and that ingredients are free from any substances considered haram (forbidden) in Islam.
• Hygienic and sanitary production processes: Maintaining strict hygiene and sanitation standards throughout the food production chain to ensure the purity and wholesomeness of halal food products.
• Traceability and transparency: Implementing robust traceability systems to ensure the integrity of halal certification and provide consumers with confidence in the halal status of the food they consume.

By integrating halal principles into food security initiatives, the conference underscored the importance of creating food systems that are not only sustainable and equitable but also culturally and religiously appropriate for the Muslim community.

Building Capacity and Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability

The long-term success and sustainability of the backyard farming initiative and other related efforts depend on providing participants with the necessary resources, comprehensive training programs, and ongoing support systems. Several key actors and initiatives can play a crucial role in this process:

• Government Agencies: The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, as represented by Mr. Musa at the conference, can provide essential technical assistance, conduct practical training workshops on various farming techniques, facilitate access to high-quality and locally adapted seedlings and fertilizers, and disseminate valuable information on best practices for backyard farming, pest and disease management, and water conservation.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Local and international NGOs with expertise in agriculture, community development, food security, and sustainable livelihoods can provide valuable support in terms of designing and implementing training programs, mobilizing resources, conducting community outreach activities, and monitoring the impact of the initiatives.
• Academic Institutions: Universities and research institutions can contribute by conducting applied research on appropriate farming techniques for the local climate and soil conditions, developing improved and climate-resilient crop varieties, providing educational resources and extension services for backyard farmers, and conducting assessments of the social, and and economic, and environmental impacts of the initiatives.
• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): Local community groups and religious organizations can play a vital role in mobilizing community members, organizing local training sessions and workshops, establishing community gardens or cooperative farming initiatives, and facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices among community members.
• Microfinance Initiatives: Providing access to microfinance loans and other financial services can empower smallholder farmers and backyard gardeners to invest in necessary inputs, equipment, and infrastructure, enhancing their productivity and income-generating potential.

A Holistic Approach to Food Security

While homestead and backyard farming represents a crucial component of the initiative, it is essential to adopt a more holistic and integrated approach to enhancing food security within the Muslim community and the wider Nigerian context. This broader approach may include:

• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices: Encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly and climate-smart farming methods that increase agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact, such as conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, and efficient irrigation techniques.
• Supporting local food markets: Strengthening local food systems and value chains to ensure that locally produced food reaches consumers efficiently, affordably, and sustainably. This can involve improving market infrastructure, promoting fair trade practices, and supporting local food processing and distribution enterprises.
• Educating consumers about healthy eating habits: Promoting public awareness and education campaigns about the importance of balanced and nutritious diets, reducing food waste at the household and community levels, and adopting sustainable consumption patterns.
• Addressing policy issues: Advocating for policies that support sustainable agriculture, promote food security, and address underlying issues such as land tenure, access to resources, and market access for smallholder farmers.

By adopting a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach that encompasses backyard farming, sustainable agriculture at all scales, consumer education, and supportive policies, the Muslim community in Eti-Osa and Nigeria as a whole can make substantial and sustainable strides towards achieving long-term food security, building a more resilient and equitable food system, and promoting the well-being of all members of society.

The 6th Annual Imams and Alfas Conference has laid a strong and inspiring foundation for this vital and ongoing work, demonstrating the power of community action, faith-based leadership, and the importance of aligning religious values with practical solutions to address pressing global challenges and building a more sustainable and just future for all. This initiative serves as a powerful model for other communities facing similar challenges, demonstrating the potential for local action to contribute to broader national and global efforts to achieve food security and sustainable development.