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The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has raised concerns over another possible case of worsening food crisis in the country.
AFAN said the Federal Government had failed to act swiftly in some aspects of critical challenges in the country’s agriculture sector.
The association’s National President, Architect Kabir Ibrahim, said that various factors, including low mechanisation, limited access to credit and inputs, transportation challenges, insecurity, and flooding, were bound to put further pressure on Nigeria’s agricultural system in the foregoing.
In particular, Ibrahim warned that unless urgent action was taken to address those issues, the nation could face another round of severe food shortage that would be severe on the populace.
“Various efforts such as the importation of some food items for a given period in defined quantities, support to smallholder farmers or small-scale producers and distribution of palliatives and agricultural inputs are works in progress,” Ibrahim stated.
He stressed the need for transparency and efficiency in government's interventions, such as the distribution of palliatives, importation of essential food items, and support for small-scale farmers.
The AFAN president acknowledged that the usual seasonal decline in food prices during the harvest period might not materialise this year due to the devastating impact of the 2024 floods on several farms.
Ibrahim called on the government to facilitate agribusiness practices through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to reduce the food crisis.
He argued that providing incentives and affordable credit to both small and large-scale agribusiness players was crucial for scaling up food production and distribution.
He dismissed the use of temporary measures such as palliatives or mass importation as inadequate solutions to Nigeria’s food crisis.
Instead, he advocated long-term, sustainable agribusiness practices that empower smallholder farmers, who remain the backbone of food production in the country.
The AFAN president urged both government officials and farmers to reassess their strategies towards achieving food sufficiency, warning that a total hunger crisis could ensue if action was not taken.
Speaking further on agricultural challenge, Ibrahim revealed that Nigeria loses around 50 per cent of its agricultural products along the food supply chain.
He explained that food waste poses significant challenges to Nigeria’s agriculture sector, impacting food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
He said, “Some of these challenges include technological barriers, inefficient harvesting techniques, pest infestations, and lack of access to modern farming tools, all of which contribute to losses during harvest, largely influenced by consumer behaviour.”
AFAN national president further highlighted additional factors contributing to post-harvest losses, including inadequate storage facilities, poor handling practices and poor transportation infrastructure.
He added that these factors result in significant losses, especially for perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables.
He also noted that inefficient food processing methods, improper packaging, inadequate storage, and unhealthy consumption habits further exacerbate food waste.
However, the agric expert highlighted several FAO initiatives promoting nutritious and sustainable practices within communities, focusing on reducing post-harvest losses, improving hygiene, and ensuring sanitation.
He said: "These initiatives include investing in post-harvest infrastructure, building community capacity, training, and empowerment programmes, among others.
“I firmly believe that the key to empowering people, particularly in the north-east region, lies in giving them the power to make informed decisions and the power to educate others.”
Ibrahim mentioned the establishment of several FAO-supported centres that produce and distribute locally nutritious foods, such as ‘tom brown,’ to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in the region.
He noted: “These centres are run by local communities, promoting community-led initiatives to improve food security.”
He expressed optimism that the training would have a long-lasting impact on participants and their communities, enhancing overall well-being and food security through the adoption of best nutrition practices.
This initiative is part of the “Emergency Agriculture-Based Livelihoods Sustenance for Improved Food Security” programme, targeting Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, with support from USAID, he stated.
