Shettima Backs AFAN, Reiterates FG’s Commitment to Farmers

News in brief:

-The Nigerian federal government reaffirms its support for farmers with an initiative that places farmers at the centre of food systems reform.

-Farmers' association raise concerns over climate change, insecurity and rising input costs impacting production activities.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the Federal Government’s continued support for Nigerian farmers under the umbrella of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), saying the prosperity of farmers is directly linked to national development.

He gave the assurance at the closing of the three-day General Assembly of Farmers meeting held in Abuja with the theme, Empowering Farmers, Fostering Collaboration.

Nutrition 774 Initiative Places Farmers at Centre of Reform

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Dr Uju Rochas-Anwukah, said the Nutrition 774 Initiative positions farmers at the core of Nigeria’s strategy to tackle malnutrition.

She stated that agriculture was not merely an economic policy but also a security, peace-building and nation-healing strategy, noting that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, agriculture occupies a central place in national recovery.

According to her, Nigeria cannot fix nutrition without fixing food systems, and food systems cannot be fixed without farmers, stressing that farmers must not be treated as an afterthought.

Agriculture Linked to Health, Education and Livelihoods

Rochas-Anwukah said the project aligns agriculture with health, education and livelihoods, emphasising that nutrition does not begin in hospitals but on farms.

She added that the Office of the Vice President was ready to partner with AFAN to ensure farmers succeed, families prosper, and the nation grows.

According to her, the fundamentals of life, including food, shelter and clothing, begin from the soil, noting that no nation industrialises without first securing its agricultural base.

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), acknowledged the security challenges confronting farmers across the country but assured them of the government’s commitment to improving safety in farming communities.

He urged farmers to promptly report security threats, stressing that protecting farmers was critical to sustaining national food production and food security.

AFAN Highlights Climate and Cost Pressures

AFAN President, Dr Farouk Mudi, drew attention to the impact of climate change, rising input costs and insecurity on agricultural productivity.

He said delayed rainfall, flooding and high fertiliser prices were negatively affecting farming activities, adding that stronger policies and increased investments were required to secure the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

Mudi said Nigeria was experiencing erratic rainfall patterns and the gradual disappearance of harmattan, noting that delayed rains and flash floods had destroyed more than 500,000 hectares of rice and maize farms.

He added that the rising cost of fertiliser and agrochemicals had made farming increasingly unaffordable for many producers.

Livestock Sub-Sector Crisis Deepens Food Insecurity

The AFAN president also described Nigeria’s livestock sector as being in crisis despite the country’s large livestock population, attributing the situation to insecurity and persistent conflict.

According to him, AFAN lost more than 10,000 lives and about ₦500 billion worth of property to farmer-herder clashes over the past decade, while more than three million cattle were lost to rustling and unplanned migration.

Mudi said the association strongly supports the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which he said would enable herders to adopt modern ranching practices and allow farmers to cultivate their land without fear.

He added that Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually importing food items such as wheat, sugar and fish, resources which should instead strengthen local farmers.

He noted that agriculture was once a core component of Nigeria’s education system and rural economy, but said declining emphasis on practical agriculture, insecurity and climate challenges had weakened food production and discouraged youth participation in the sector.