AFAN Urges Immediate Action to Tackle Food Security Challenges in Nigeria

The President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Architect Kabir Ibrahim, has called for swift measures to address critical challenges threatening food availability in the country. Speaking at the 22nd Daily Trust Dialogue on the theme, “Nigeria’s Food System: Challenges and Opportunities in the Attainment of Food Security,” Ibrahim outlined key obstacles undermining Nigeria’s food security. These include macroeconomic instability, insecurity, currency devaluation, climate change, low agricultural mechanization, and poor post-harvest management. He highlighted the severe insecurity in the North East, North Central, and North West regions, which has hindered food production for over a decade. Adding to these challenges are the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and global disruptions that have weakened the nation’s food system. Ibrahim pointed to the effects of climate change, noting that extreme weather events, such as flooding and droughts, now occur annually in Nigeria, compared to every decade in the past. Inflation and the naira’s devaluation over the last 18 months have further escalated food prices, reducing farmers’ productivity and affordability for consumers. He also raised concerns about inadequate farm mechanization, high costs of inputs like fertilizers, poor power supply affecting food processing and storage, and illegal taxation inflating food prices. These issues collectively exacerbate food insecurity in the country. To address these challenges, Ibrahim proposed: Innovative approaches to tackling insecurity, including forest defoliation or clearing in certain areas. Investment in high-quality seeds, affordable agrochemicals, and advanced machinery for farmers. Strengthening the naira to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade. Improving food distribution systems and supporting both smallholder and large-scale farmers with appropriate tools and technology. He stressed the urgency of implementing these solutions to improve food security and ensure no Nigerian goes hungry.