NALDA to Engage Rural Farmers to Boost Food Security Nationwide

News in brief:

-Nigeria's land development agency will engage rural farmers nationwide through the Renewed Hope Mega Farming programme to improve food production.

-The project features a 5,000-hectare mega farm in Kwara State, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen food security.

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has announced plans to engage rural farmers across the 36 states of Nigeria in a bid to boost food production and tackle insecurity.

The initiative forms part of the Renewed Hope Mega Farming programme, which aims to expand agricultural production while creating employment opportunities in rural communities.

As part of the programme, the agency has secured 5,000 hectares of land in the rural community of Ora in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.

Known officially as the 5,000-hectare Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate, it is designed to include critical infrastructure such as hostels, administrative buildings, warehouses and gatehouses to support farming activities.

Executive Secretary of NALDA, Segun Cornelius Adebayo, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement in the community before inspecting the ongoing project.

Project Designed to Strengthen Food Security

Adebayo described the initiative as the first of its kind in the country, noting that it is designed to promote food security, encourage rural development and address insecurity.

According to him, the project received approval from Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support agricultural development in rural communities.

He explained that the project involves clearing hectares of land, with each participating farmer allocated five hectares.

Each farmer is expected to employ four to five additional workers, which could create about 5,000 jobs and positively impact approximately 10,000 people.

Adebayo further stated that the farming clusters would be equipped with modern machinery, including at least 10 tractors initially, with the number expected to increase as more land is cultivated.

He added that the initiative will also receive financial support from the Bank of Agriculture Nigeria, alongside fertiliser assistance to improve productivity.

According to him, the authority plays a critical role in Nigeria’s agricultural production system and will help ensure the success of the project.

Soybeans Production Targeted for Local and Export Markets

The NALDA boss revealed that soybeans would be one of the major crops cultivated under the project, targeting both domestic consumption and international markets.

He emphasised the importance of community participation, noting that the project’s sustainability depends on strong local involvement.

Arzikin Noma Africa, a Kaduna-based organisation, has been appointed as the anchor partner to oversee continuity and coordination of the initiative.

Speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting, Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma Africa, Adeoluwa Adeshola, assured that the organisation would train farmers on best agricultural practices.

The training will cover planting seasons, fertiliser application and improved farming techniques.

He added that the organisation would also help provide access to markets for farm produce to ensure farmers benefit from the initiative.

Community leaders welcome the initiative

The traditional ruler of the community, Rilwan Yekini, praised the federal government for locating the project in the area. He noted that the project would bring economic benefits to farmers and residents of the community.

Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, AbdulRasheed Yusuf, also described the initiative as a solution to the security challenges affecting the area.

He explained that large areas of unused land in the local government have contributed to insecurity, adding that the farming project could help address the problem while boosting agricultural productivity.