Abuja: Agricultural Agenda Nigeria Initiative (AANI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called on the Government and stakeholders to prioritise investments in agriculture, rural infrastructure, research, and extension services. Ephraim Audu, National President of AANI, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja as the country marked Democracy Day. Audu stated that agriculture was essential for inclusive growth, youth employment, and national prosperity, values that democracy should uphold.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Audu emphasized the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including government at all levels, the organised private sector, civil society organisations, and development partners, to unlock the full potential of Nigeria's agricultural sector. He remarked that achieving food security, economic diversification, and shared prosperity requires a united and sustained approach.
He reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to empowering Nigerian farmers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support, advocating for increased budgetary allocation to agriculture. Audu advised that meeting and exceeding the Maputo Declaration commitment of 10 per cent of the national budget focused on smallholder farmers, women, and youth is crucial for progress.
Audu also proposed the strengthening and digitisation of agricultural extension services, improvement of rural infrastructure, and promotion of access to affordable credit and inputs. He highlighted the importance of investing in agro-tech and digital agriculture to modernise Nigeria's agricultural systems and increase youth participation in agribusiness.
Furthermore, Audu called for gender-inclusive land reform policies, enhancement of climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and fostering research, innovation, and agro-industrialization. He stressed that these policy recommendations, if implemented with political will and accountability, could transform Nigeria's agricultural sector, creating jobs and building a resilient economy.
As Nigeria celebrates 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, AANI reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security. The initiative celebrates the resilience and strength of more than 20 million registered smallholder farmers, considering them the backbone of the economy and true custodians of the land. AANI has committed resources to empower and support up to 1,000 smallholder farmers nationwide, aiming to reduce poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that AANI focuses on Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2, No Poverty and Zero Hunger, through smallholder farmer aggregation, women and youth empowerment, access to markets, and rural community development.