World Food Day 2023 became a platform for a profound message – one that delves deep into an issue that is often taken for granted: the vital role of water management and the reduction of wastage in securing our food future. Our project, aptly named “Water Wisdom for Food’s Future,” unfolded across two Nigerian states, Osun and Kwara, and extended its embrace to communities in Ife East LGA, Ife Central LGA, and Ilorin South LGA.
The heart of our project was driven by a resounding theme – the responsible utilization of water resources. In a world where water scarcity threatens millions, and as we are acutely aware of the intricate connection between water, food, and inclusivity, the necessity of responsible water management has never been more apparent. This initiative aligns harmoniously with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for Clean Water and Sanitation.
Our project targeted a vital audience – secondary school students, many of whom are poised to shape the future, including future agricultural landscapes. Alongside our dedicated team members, our collaborators in the form of school principals played a pivotal role in our outreach. Over the course of three days, our three-member strong team embarked on this mission, each tending to their respective location with unwavering dedication.
The genesis of our project lies in the staggering fact that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water. Recognizing this as an immediate and global issue, we were spurred into action to raise awareness and contribute to the resolution of this global crisis. The heart of our mission was to educate individuals about the significance of their daily water consumption habits and the profound effect these habits can have on the environment. Water, we realized, is not just a resource; it is life itself.
Our primary objective was to enlighten individuals about effective water management practices, which ultimately can lead to a significant reduction in wastage. This was achieved through an array of activities tailored to school visits, with a specific focus on students and youth.
The beneficiaries of our project were the secondary school students, the future custodians of our world. We reached out to a total of 213 students. To disseminate our message effectively, we utilized a multi-pronged approach – in-person teaching sessions combined with informative videos shared across various social media platforms.
Recognizing that education and awareness are the stepping stones to long-term change, we designed a plan to continuously remind students of their learnings and encourage them to practice water management at home, thus creating a ripple effect that would spread awareness further.
To assess the impact of our project and monitor its effectiveness, we distributed a survey aimed at gauging the knowledge of water management among our participants. This approach allowed us to identify areas where further efforts could be concentrated and allowed us to fine-tune our approach for maximum impact.
In conclusion, as we mark World Food Day in 2023, we do so with a resolute commitment to championing sustainable water management and wastage reduction. This is not just a project; it’s a mission to secure our food future, where abundance and accessibility to nutritious food are not luxuries but the birthright of every individual. We invite you to be part of this vital conversation and to stand with us as we empower communities to embrace water wisdom for a food-secure world. Together, we can sow the seeds of a brighter future, where food is not just sustenance, but a symbol of hope and prosperity for all.