Bauchi designates 2028 as zero hunger year

The Bauchi State government has disclosed its plans to achieve zero hunger in the state by 2028.

The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, on Wednesday made the disclosure while noting the state’s 2024-2028 Multisectoral Action Plan for Food and Nutrition.

Speaking at the launch of the plan held at the conference hall of his office, Government House, Bauchi, he explained the target and plan as a strategic approach to combating malnutrition and improve food security in the state.

Auwal Jatau, who is equally the chairman of the State Nutrition Council, said Bauchi State is poised to implement the National Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition to help the state move forward.

He noted that the present administration of Governor Bala Mohammed has taken the crucial steps to reduce hunger and malnutrition in the state.

“Having realised that malnutrition and hunger can not be eliminated through efforts of one sector, the state government has began the development of nutrition-sensitive interventions in the agriculture, health, social protection, early child development, education, water and sanitation sectors, in order to achieve the Zero Hunger Challenge, including the zero stunted growtĥ among children under the age of five years.

“To address malnutrition and hunger, the state government has made adequate budgetary provision in the annual budget for nutrition programs such as Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), among others.

“It is for this reason that the state government has taken the bold step to produce a holistic costed state strategic plan of action for nutrition in a process where all relevant sectors at all levels were involved.  Nine priority areas have been identified and are considered key to improving nutritional status in the state.

“In particular, the plan also identifies the need for strengthened collaboration between sectors and improved

financing and accountability mechanisms to achieve the ambitious targets.

This costed plan will also serve as a resource mobilisation tool for the state and subsequently an allocation guide for effective implementation as well as proper program monitoring and evaluation.

“The successful implementation of this strategic plan of action will therefore depend on the sustained commitment of the different levels of government, development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

“Bauchi State has made significant investments towards improving the nutritional outcomes of its children,” he stressed.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Budget, Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Amina Katagum, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jibrin Yusuf, said the action plan was developed with the support of development partners to tackle malnutrition in the state.

She remarked that “the plan will be used as an advocacy tool for improved nutrition financing in Bauchi and incorporates monitoring and evaluation, accountability and learning components for easy tracking of progress and impact evaluation.”