Agriculture
THE stakeholders in the nation’s agricutural sector have called for improved security and better coordination between different levels of government to boost production in the sector. Speaking at the Food Security and Socioeconomic Stability discussion on agriculture in Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos
Hussein Gadain, who represented the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. FOA. stressed the need for the country to focus more on conflicts prevention rather than conflicts resolution.
He recalled that when this approach was used in the past, it helped to reduce the incidence of clashes between farmers and herders.
According to him, insecurity, especially banditry, has made it difficult for many farmers to access their farms and in some parts of the North-East, large areas of farmland are no longer safe, forcing farmers to abandon the farming.
He urged the government to invest more in security so that farmers can return to their farms and increase food production.
He suggested that more responsibility should be given to state governments. According to him, since land is controlled by states, agricultural policies from the federal level must be properly implemented at the state and local government levels to improve agricultural production in the country.
In his speech, the representative of the Minister of Agriculture explained that the federal government is already working closely with states to improve production in the sector.
He cited examples such as the distribution of fertilizers, development of rural roads and the implementation of many agricultural projects across several states.
He noted that funding remains a major challenge due to the country’s large population, which is why partnerships with private investors and international organizations are being encouraged.
Kabir Ibrahim, the President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, stated that weak monitoring systems contribute to some of the challenges they face in thevl agric sector.
Speaking further, he emphasized that agriculture must be treated as a business, not just as a means of survival. According to him, farmers need proper training, access to technology, and necessary support to process and market their products effectively.
He also explained that while food is available in many markets, many Nigerians cannot afford them due to their low purchasing power.
He therefore suggested that each geo-polical zone in the country should focus on crops that suit their environment and culture.
He also called for more investments in food processing to add value instead of exporting raw produce.
Realnews reports that the discussions concluded with a strong message that improving agriculture through better security, proper funding and collaboration between federal and state governments are essential in reducing poverty and ensuring food security in the country.
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APR. 22, 2026
Tags: AFAN agriculture Alhaji Kabir Ibrahim FAO HUSSEIN GADAIN