In a country grappling with the looming spectre of food insecurity, the recent report from Cadre Harmonise analysis by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, paints a troubling picture. An estimated 31.5 million Nigerians are projected to face acute hunger during the June-August 2024 lean season. With factors such as insecurity, inflation, and climate change exacerbating the crisis, the need for decisive action has never been more urgent.
Amidst this backdrop, Yobe State’s recent agricultural empowerment initiative, launched by President Bola Tinubu, serves as a model hope that other states in the country should emulate.
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration has recognised that agriculture is not just an economic sector but the backbone of the state’s survival. The Mega Agricultural Empowerment Programme, which aims to support 5,340 farmers across 178 electoral wards, is a timely intervention designed to revitalise the agricultural landscape of Yobe State and Nigeria at large. By providing essential tools and resources, Gov Buni’s programme seeks to enhance productivity and ensure food security for the state’s predominantly agricultural population.
These measures are projected to significantly impact food production in Yobe State. The empowerment is expected to lead to a 30 per cent increase in crop yields in this planting season, which could translate to an additional 200,000 metric tons of staple foods produced. This increase is crucial for addressing the food needs of the local population and reducing reliance on external food sources.
Also, the programme aims to improve the livelihoods of over 5,000 families, directly impacting their economic stability and food security. By enhancing agricultural productivity, the initiative is positioned to reduce poverty levels in the state, with potential long-term effects on health and nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children.
As the Cadre Harmonise analysis report highlights, and the recent report from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) highlights a sobering reality, the northern states of Nigeria, including Yobe, are among the most affected by food insecurity, with critical levels of malnutrition reported among children. The proactive steps taken by Governor Buni’s administration are a clear acknowledgment of this dire situation. By prioritising agriculture and empowering farmers, the state government is laying the groundwork for long-term food security and economic resilience.
As Yobe State moves forward with its agricultural initiatives, and to build on this momentum, it is imperative for Governor Buni to allocate at least 10 per cent of the 2025 annual budget to the agriculture sector. This commitment would align with the Malabo Declaration of 2014, which calls for increased investment in agriculture to ensure food security across Africa.
Just as Governor Buni has shown dedication by meeting the 15 per cent Abuja Declaration in the health sector for the 2024 budget and his recent commitment to allocating five per cent of Yobe’s annual budget to aid displaced persons, a similar focus on agriculture is essential.
Other states in Nigeria should take heed of Yobe’s example. The challenges of food insecurity are not confined to one region; they are a national crisis that requires coordinated and innovative responses. States like Sokoto and Zamfara, which are also facing severe food shortages, could greatly benefit from similar initiatives aimed at bolstering agricultural capacity and ensuring that farmers have the necessary support to thrive.
Moreover, the collaboration between the Yobe State government and federal agencies, as well as international organisations, shows the importance of partnerships in tackling food insecurity. This model of collaboration should be replicated across other states, cultivating a unified front against food insecurity.
Zanna Samaila wrote from Damaturu and can be reached via [email protected]
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