A large percentage of the world population is faced with hunger as a daily challenge due to lack of the means to purchase or produce the food they need.
Violent conflicts are also a leading cause of hunger as they have devastating and lasting impacts on food security. They affect the ability to produce, trade and access food, farming resources, and infrastructure. Markets are also destroyed and, limiting access to food is sometimes used as a deliberate tactic of war. The impacts of conflicts on food security also lasts long after the violence has subsided.
Peace is nonetheless a precondition for eradicating hunger. However, food insecurity such as the case of sudden increase in food prices can contribute to or trigger political instability. Efforts to revive the agricultural sector and trade, and increase food security, have had positive effects on the sustainability of peace.
With Peace and Conflict Resolution as one of the six areas of focus in Rotary, Rotary International, through the various Rotary clubs around the world, has intervened in world peace through projects which cuts across peace seminars, jobs creation, skill acquisition, among others.
Rotary International, District 9110 Nigeria has moved its commitment to peace and conflict resolution in Nigeria a step higher as it strives to create lasting positive impact on promoting peace in the country through its 2020 edition of its annual World Peace and Understanding Seminar held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
The seminar themed; “Promoting World Peace and Understanding through Food Security” is aimed at enlightening the general public and stake holders through seasoned professionals on the roles food security play in promoting peace and understanding, and the need to thread on the right direction so as to create lasting change.
“The Rotary club is known for its very high values and dedication to peace. It helps humanity achieve greater output and greater cooperation which I think is useful in promoting peace”, those were the words of Mr. Bismarck Rewane, the MD/CEO, Financial Derivatives Co. (Nig.) Ltd while speaking with journalists at the sideline of the event.
“Rotary is an organization of 1.2million people dedicated to promoting world peace and understanding. Today, we are talking about peace through food security and that is one of the major focus of the Rotary organization”, Rewane added.
Other notable speakers and panel discussants at the event include Navy Commodore Daniel Atakpa who spoke on “The Blue Economy”, Dr. Biodun Adedipe of Adedipe Associate Limited, Mr. Mezuo Nwuneli of Sahel Capital Agribusiness Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, and Past District Governor, Dr. Tunjin Funsho of the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee.
Present at the event was the chief host, the District Governor, Dr. Jide Akeredolu, Past District Governor, District Leaders, Rotarians and guests.