Nigeria remains interested in a holistic food systems approach that considers production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste to create an enabling environment for better health outcomes related to diabetes and hypertension, writes ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE in the report. The story reviews the evidence supporting the report, saying two-thirds of Nestl??s global greenhouse gas emissions come from raw material sourcing, which relies primarily on agricultural practices. The company has though, highlighted the importance of sustainable farming methods to achieve its environmental goals. The article shows that Nestl? is actively investing in regenerative agriculture and points out that the company?s Net Zero Roadmap demonstrates the company's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, thereby helping people with health problems

The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Nigeria is said to be a public health challenge, hence some observations suggest that integrating agricultural strategies into public health efforts is a promising way to reduce the burden of these chronic diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ?Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension account for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.? Various factors such as urbanization, lifestyle changes, dietary habits and genetics have been cited as conditions driving the increase.

The WHO stressed that If current trends continue, more than 70% of deaths worldwide could be due to NCDs by 2030, and with this alarming prevalence, there is evidence that about 30% of adults in the country suffer from symptoms consistent with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and kidney failure and stroke are linked.

With urbanization leading to a sedentary lifestyle for many, experts praise agricultural practices for promoting health by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which are essential for regulating blood sugar and blood pressure. Global food and beverage manufacturer Nestle says, ?A diet rich in whole foods can help reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and high blood pressure.? In this regard, Nestl? is adopting sustainable agricultural practices that experts believe will lead to increased production of nutritious crops while protecting the environment.

?This includes crop rotation, organic farming and agroforestry systems that promote biodiversity,? they said.

It is believed that involving local communities in agricultural efforts can raise awareness about nutrition and health, and Nestl? is willing to support programs that educate farmers on the importance of cultivating a variety of crops that contribute to increased dietary diversity, which can lead their communities.

While governments at all levels of the country are not left out of the fight against NCDs, as local agriculture is promoted, local communities need to gain economic independence through such issues, which indirectly impacts on health outcomes. Though, government policies support agricultural development and address public health issues by ensuring food security and promoting healthy diets for the population. They are also investing in agricultural research that could lead to the development of new plant varieties that are not only more resilient but also nutritionally improved to effectively fight non-communicable diseases.

Data shows that higher incomes allow families to buy healthier foods instead of relying on processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Nestl? says traditional agriculture often involves the cultivation of medicinal plants known for their health-promoting properties. Certain plants have been shown to have antidiabetic or antihypertensive properties, providing a natural alternative or complement to traditional remedies. Despite this, Nigeria remains concerned with a holistic approach to food systems that considers production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste to create an enabling environment for better health outcomes related to diabetes and hypertension.

Leading the fight against non-communicable diseases through agriculture

Evidence shows that nearly two-thirds of Nestl??s global greenhouse gas emissions come from raw material sourcing, which relies primarily on agricultural practices. In doing so, the company highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural methods to achieve its environmental goals.

As authorities prepare to introduce regenerative agriculture to reduce the impact of diabetes and hypertension in Nigeria, Nestl? is proactively investing in regenerative agriculture. The review found that the company?s Net Zero Roadmap demonstrates its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

?Based on this roadmap, Nestl? aims to source 20% of its key raw materials through regenerative agriculture methods by 2025 and 50% by 2030.

?This strategic shift is aimed at not only reducing harmful emissions but also improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and promoting water security,? the official statement said.

As part of leveraging agriculture to solve health problems, Nestl??s approach to regenerative agriculture is based on five key pillars: biodiversity, water security and water quality, soil health, diversified farming systems and livestock integration, and shared landscapes. These pillars guide their efforts to improve their suppliers? agricultural practices.

?Most importantly, Nestl? supports practices such as crop rotation, mulching, organic fertilizers and minimal tillage through initiatives such as our Farmer Connect program, which engages more than 500,000 farmers around the world,? said Victoria Uwadoka, director of corporate communications, public affairs and sustainability at Nestl? Nigeria.

The official continued that the company is investing in livestock in farming systems that can increase productivity while promoting ecological balance. Techniques such as forest grazing are being promoted to provide farmers with an additional source of income while protecting ecosystems.

Going Beyond Individual Challenge

It was pointed out that people affected by NCDs need to understand that Nestl? goes beyond individual farms and is committed to regional projects that protect shared resources through reforestation efforts and the creation of green corridors that promote biodiversity. Against the backdrop, recently, Nestl? announced an investment aimed at introducing regenerative agricultural practices within its supply chain. It specifically targets wheat farms in several states in countries like the USA, including Kansas and North Dakota.

The effort aims to cover more than 100,000 acres of farmland, almost double the amount needed for wheat demand, indicating a major commitment towards transforming agricultural practices within the supply chain.

Requiring A Multifaceted Approach

Addressing diabetes and hypertension through agriculture is said requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, community engagement, policy support, sustainable practices, economic empowerment, access to nutritious food, research efforts focused on health-promoting crops, and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the food system. And through partnerships with key suppliers like ADM and Ardent Mills, Nestl? is providing financial support and technical resources to help farmers across the world adopt regenerative practices like growing cover crops and reducing pesticide use.

Update news