Farouk Gumel - Hunger and Poverty – A way out through inclusive value chain development
                      Hunger and 
Poverty – A way out 
through inclusive 
value chain 
development
Farouk Gumel, Nigeria
Farouk Gumel- In September 2015, the 
United Nations General Assembly 
adopted the 2030 Agenda for 
Sustainable Development that includes 
17 Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs).The first two goals were "No 
poverty and Zero Hunger". These Are 
problems common to all nations 
although its severity differs in each 
nation and region. FAO data shows Africa 
as the region most impacted by hunger 
and malnutrition.
Apart from the obvious fact that we all need food to 
live, hunger and malnutrition also have other adverse 
and long-term socioeconomic consequences such as 
poor health, under education and insecurity. It is a fact 
that Chronic undernutrition hinders the growth and 
wellbeing of children under five years old. As these 
children grow, they will continue to have health and/or 
learning difficulties.
In 2018, 49.5 million children under five were 
affected by acute malnutrition. It is reported 
that Africa and Asia accounted for nine out of 
ten of these cases. These Affected children 
are excessively thin and short for their age. 
This means although regions like Africa may 
have the highest population growth rate in 
the world, many people from the continent 
may not live up to their full potential – both 
physically and intellectually.Therefore 
addressing poverty and hunger are vital in 
building a productive, prosperous and 
progressive society.
The question is how can one achieve this ambitious goal? In 
Africa, many approaches are being applied. Somesee 
poverty and hunger eradication as simply donating and 
distributing food and medicines. Others Focus on providing 
grants in cash or kind. We also have some who focus on 
education and skill development. So far, these various 
approaches have resulted in “pockets” of success. But with 
a 2.5% population growth rate and over 40% of the 
population living below the poverty line, the “pocket” 
approach to success may not necessarily be impactful.
Although the data presented above is disturbing, it is 
not too late to stop and even reverse this trend. We 
can, with the right focus, bring massive employment 
into Africa. With such employment, we can bring 
prosperity to millions. With such prosperity, families 
will be fed and children will get educated. With an 
educated and well-nourished society, peace will surely 
reign.
The quickest way to create massive employment is 
through agriculture. This, by the way, is also how 
the continent can eliminate hunger and 
malnutrition. Many say this is easier said than 
done. But the reality is, no one ever said it would 
be easy to uplift and transform over 500 million 
people from poverty to prosperity. This is an 
“evolutionary” journey.The concept of an overnight 
agricultural “revolution” will not achieve, at least 
in a sustainable manner, the goals of poverty and 
hunger eradication. In this “evolution”, both 
leaders and citizens must align in their thinking 
and set realistic and achievable goals that are 
inclusive.
Most of the “revolutionary” programs introduced to 
(or imposed onto) Africans arenot sustained or 
sustainable. This is simply because in many 
instances, they are not inclusive or, the design failed 
to consider many cultural or socioeconomic factors. 
So an inclusive and consultative approach, with a 
long term view, is the only way to address the 
problem of hunger and poverty.
Already, many companies in Africa such as Dangote, Olam, OCP and TGI Group are 
aggressively investing in an Inclusive Value Chain Development approach for sustainable 
and inclusive growth. Farouk Gumel, a Group Executive Director for Tropical General 
Investment (TGI) Group, said his company has invested millions of dollars in out grower 
farming programs for rice paddy, soya beans and maize in Nigeria. He said “these 
programs supply raw materials to TGI’s rice mill, multi seed oil crushing facilities and 
poultry farms.” Farouk Gumel states that through these ventures, TGI's outgrower 
farmers get quality data and inputs during the land clearing and planting period as well 
as support during harvesting. TGI also gives guaranteed offtake agreement to the 
farmers. These offtake agreements enable the farmers to borrow funds for the 
enhancement and expansion of their operations. According to Farouk Gumel, farmer 
incomes have gradually been increasing enabling them to provide better quality 
education and health care to their families. If similar programs continue to be introduced 
and expanded, the goal of eradicating poverty and hunger is surely achievable.
THANK YOU!!