REVITALIZING NIGERIA'S AGRICULTURE: A CALL TO ACTION AT LOCAL LEVEL

 

16th March , 2024

By: Hon Apostle Yomi Taiwo
Egbe/Idimu LCDA

It's no longer  news that , Nigeria grapples with an acute food crisis, affecting its less privileged citizens. The soaring  debt profile and challenging economic conditions have also  metamorphosed  into an epidemic.

A couple of months ago , I suggested to a friend  that the current misfortune Nigeria  faces in terms of food crisis could be overturned through the large scale involvement of the local governments in the National policy.

While President Tinubu's administration struggles  to stabilize the nation, the burden left by president Muhammadu Buhari  looms like a rampaging "vampire," threatening to suck the nation's prosperity dry.

Despite several policies and strategies to curb the soaring  commodity prices, the stride appears elusive. The government  didn't  recognize the potential impact of local governments in transforming Nigeria's  misfortunes early enough.

A careful study of various strategies reveals the need for the federal government to empower local governments with more authority, funding, and responsibilities.

Unfortunately, the national strategy leans heavily on state-level execution , potentially limiting the effectiveness of the action plans.

Thank God for the change of plans. Kudos to Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu for considering the overriding changes the state could experience through the activities of the local governments in solving the current  food crisis .

What are the suggested action plans ?

1. Agricultural Investment: Invest in the agricultural sector to provide farmers with modern techniques, equipment, and technology, enhancing productivity for a consistent food supply.

2. Infrastructure Development: Improve rural infrastructure, including roads and storage facilities, to facilitate efficient transportation of produce and reduce post-harvest losses.

3. Financial Support: Implement policies providing financial support to farmers, including subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and other inputs, making farming more affordable and encouraging broader participation.

4. Research and Development: Invest in research to develop crop varieties resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring higher yields. Promote climate-smart agriculture practices.

5. Market Access: Facilitate farmers' access to markets by creating efficient market structures, including supporting agricultural cooperatives and initiatives connecting farmers directly with consumers.

6. Storage and Processing Facilities: Build and upgrade storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Support the establishment of food processing industries to add value and create employment.

7. Education and Extension Services: Provide training and extension services to farmers, improving their skills and enhancing productivity.

8. Diversification: Encourage crop diversification for a more stable and varied food supply. Support awareness campaigns and alternative crop initiatives.

9. Government Policies: Implement policies supporting sustainable agriculture, ensuring fair pricing for farmers, and regulating middlemen activities to prevent exploitation.

10. Emergency Relief: In the short term, provide emergency relief such as food aid and subsidies to mitigate the immediate impact of the crisis on vulnerable populations.

Usefulness of the local government.

1. Community Engagement: Local governments can engage directly with communities to understand their specific agricultural needs, challenges, and resources.

2. Promoting Local Agriculture: Encourage and support local agricultural practices by providing resources, training, and incentives to farmers, including promoting indigenous crops and sustainable farming methods.

3. Infrastructure Development: Invest in local infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products and reduce post-harvest losses.

4. Market Access: Facilitate the creation of local markets or improve existing ones, connecting local farmers with consumers through farmers' markets, cooperatives, or other initiatives.

5. Extension Services: Establish extension services at the local level to provide farmers with training, guidance, and information on modern farming techniques, pest control, and crop management.

6. Financial Support: Allocate funds to support local farmers with subsidies on essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, making farming more accessible and financially sustainable for local communities.

7. Storage Facilities: Create local storage facilities to preserve agricultural products, reducing wastage and ensuring a stable food supply throughout the year.

8. Education Programs: Implement educational programs in collaboration with local schools to raise awareness about the importance of agriculture, sustainable practices, and potential career opportunities in the sector.

9. Diversification: Encourage diversification of crops based on the local climate and soil conditions, providing guidance and resources to support farmers in exploring alternative crops.
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