The Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security, an esteemed agricultural research institute, is calling on the incoming administration to prioritize the agricultural sector by allocating 10% of the country’s budgetary allocation to address the imminent food insecurity in Nigeria.
With projections from the Food and Agriculture Organization indicating that approximately 25.3 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity during the lean season from June to August 2023, the institute emphasizes the urgent need for more commitment and resources from the Federal Government to tackle this pressing issue.
During a workshop in Abuja, Dr. Benjamin Oyelami, the Communication Manager and Researcher at the institute highlighted the potential solutions to address food insecurity. He stressed the importance of appropriately utilizing farm inputs and sustainable soil management practices, which can significantly enhance productivity and alleviate the predicted food crisis.
Dr. Oyelami stated, “By ensuring farmers are well-educated on sustainable soil management and encouraging the judicious use of farm inputs, we can mitigate the escalating food insecurity in the country. Furthermore, the incoming government should demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector. We can overcome food insecurity by allocating 10% of our budgetary allocation to agriculture, in line with regional agreements.”
Adegbenga Adekoya, the co-Principal Investigator of the institute, highlighted the importance of a comprehensive fertilizer policy that directly benefits farmers at the grassroots level. While Nigeria’s fertilizer policy has received positive ratings, there is a need for adjustments to bridge the gap between policy implementation and the realities faced by farmers.
Adekoya stated, “Our research focuses on fertilizer and soil health as part of the African agenda. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure our findings have a national impact. Nigeria’s fertilizer policy has been highly regarded, but we have recognized the need for further improvements. The missing link lies in establishing a stronger connection between the policy and the farmers it aims to support.”
In summary, the institute is advocating for increased funding and commitment to the agricultural sector as a critical step toward addressing the looming food insecurity in Nigeria. By allocating 10% of the budget to agriculture, implementing sustainable practices, and bridging the gap between policies and grassroots farmers, the country can pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future in the agricultural landscape.
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