The path to food sovereignty and security in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, is being paved with innovation and determination. Bühler, a leading provider of food processing technology, is taking a pivotal step towards reshaping the region’s food landscape with the establishment of its Grain Processing and Innovation Center (GPIC) in Kano, northern Nigeria. Set to open its doors in early 2024, the GPIC is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing local grain production, ensuring safe and affordable food, and enhancing the region’s overall prosperity.
Addressing the Challenge of Imported Wheat Dependency
Nigeria and its neighboring sub-Saharan countries have long grappled with heavy dependence on imported wheat, primarily from countries like Russia and Ukraine. This reliance on foreign sources for a staple food commodity underscores the urgency of achieving food security through local grain production. With a burgeoning population, the need for sustainable food sources has never been more pressing.
The GPIC, situated on a sprawling three-floor building spanning 480 square meters, is Bühler’s response to this challenge. It is poised to offer essential technology and solutions that empower regional food processors to create safe and cost-effective foods using locally sourced grains. From sorghum, millet, maize, and soybeans to groundnuts, pulses, and tuber crops like cassava, the center will serve as a bridge between laboratory testing and industrial-scale production, minimizing the need for large upfront investments from producers.
A Vision for Growth and Empowerment
Ali Hmayed, Head of the Grain Processing and Innovation Center, Bühler Nigeria, shared the center’s commitment to Africa’s empowerment by adding value to its natural resources within the region itself. Kano, a bustling trade and processing hub for agricultural commodities in the edge of the Sahara, is the ideal location for such an endeavor. It’s here that climate-resilient local grain varieties are traded, forming a critical foundation for addressing food security by countering climate-change-related stresses.
The World Health Organization projects Nigeria’s rapid population growth, positioning it as the world’s second most populous country by the end of the century. This population surge, driven by high fertility rates, underscores the urgency of bolstering food supply and security to ensure a prosperous future.
From Import Reliance to Sustainable Solutions
The economic impact of unstable supply chains and excessive reliance on grain imports necessitates a reimagining of the food supply model in sub-Saharan Africa. The escalating costs of food and tradable goods contribute significantly to rising inflation, urging the region to shift towards local grain production and processing.
Bühler’s technological prowess steps into this void, offering a solution that aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to achieve food sovereignty and security. The GPIC aims to be a collaborative platform, inspiring food producers to move beyond lab-stage product development and adopt practices that match local consumption with farm production.
A Step Towards Sustainable Food Security
Nigeria’s potential to feed itself and the broader African region lies within its abundant arable land. Boasting over 34 million hectares of arable land, Nigeria is poised to capitalize on its resources and contribute significantly to the region’s food security goals.
“We are in Nigeria, for Nigeria,” declares Iyore Amadasun, Sales & Channel Business Manager at Bühler Nigeria. The GPIC not only symbolizes Bühler’s commitment but also signifies a shared journey toward sustainable food security. With the potential to harness local grains’ nutritional richness, adaptability, and resilience, the GPIC marks a significant stride towards achieving a future where African nations feed themselves and thrive on the global stage.
As a Swiss family-owned company, Bühler is active in 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers in 23 countries. it is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature
