Farmers under the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) have issued a dire warning regarding the imminent threat of hunger across the country, urging the government to take urgent action to prevent this crisis.
In a statement released on Monday, AFAN’s National President, Kabir Ibrahim, attributed the rising food inflation and pressure on Nigeria’s agricultural system to several factors, including inadequate mechanization, challenges in accessing credit, lack of affordable seeds, poor transportation, ongoing insecurity, and severe flooding.
Ibrahim cautioned that without focused interventions to address these agribusiness challenges, Nigeria risks facing catastrophic food shortages. He stated, “Various efforts such as the importation of certain food items for a limited period, support for smallholder farmers, and the distribution of agricultural palliatives and inputs are underway. However, they must be implemented transparently and efficiently to effectively impact the food system and lower prices immediately.”
He stressed the need for transparent distribution of palliatives, efficient importation of essential food items, and robust support for smallholder farmers to bring immediate relief to the populace. Ibrahim further warned that the usual seasonal decrease in food prices during harvest may not occur this year due to the significant farm damage caused by flooding in 2024.
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of facilitating seamless agribusiness practices through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He remarked, “The most probable respite can come by encouraging seamless agribusiness practices through AfCFTA and other available opportunities.”
He called for the provision of incentives and affordable credit to both small and large-scale agribusiness operators to enhance food production and distribution. Ibrahim pointed out that temporary solutions such as palliatives or mass importation would not resolve Nigeria’s food crisis. Instead, the focus should be on sustainable agribusiness practices that empower smallholder farmers.
“The engine room of food production in Nigeria revolves around smallholder farmers, who should be encouraged to thrive by receiving fair value for their produce, along with various other incentives,” he noted.
Finally, Ibrahim urged both leaders and farmers to reassess their strategies to achieve food sufficiency, warning that only strategic actions can avert a severe hunger crisis in the nation.
