To inform farmers on the best ways to cultivate different crops, the federal government is creating a web application. The idea was declared by Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, in an interview. The software is a component of an E-extension initiative that offers crucial information and direction in the most common local languages to farmers, aiming to address the low ratio of extension workers to farmers. Additionally, the minister gave assurances that government actions will cause commodities prices to drop shortly.
In an effort to keep prices stable, the federal government intends to import duty-free food items like wheat, rice paddies, and maize for 150 days. This decision runs counter to President Tinubu’s earlier claim that Nigeria should create its own food instead of importing it. The African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) are among those who have criticized this decision, arguing that it is not a long-term solution to food shortages and hinders local production efforts.
Many farmers view it as an invaluable tool for learning.
Experts in agriculture and farmers have differing opinions about the app’s possible effects. Many farmers view it as an invaluable tool for learning about current agricultural practices, particularly in isolated locations with limited access to an extension agency. But other extension agents question if it will be possible for older farmers to become widely digitally literate. Experts in agriculture emphasize that while the software has the potential to increase yields and democratize information, it also requires further training and on-the-ground support.
A 150-day duty-free import policy for food commodities such as maize, rice paddy, and wheat has been declared by the government as a temporary solution to the current food Insecurity crisis. In June 2024, food Inflation reached 40.87%. The goal of this strategy is to stabilize prices in the face of this rising inflation. Opponents of this policy, such as the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), contend that it contradicts President Tinubu’s previous position on food production self-sufficiency and undermines localization efforts.
There has been much discussion about the importing policy.
According to government officials, there would be food shortages for over 32 million Nigerians between June and August of 2024, but they maintain that this is a temporary solution needed to prevent a serious food crisis. Through programs like encouraging dry-season farming, investing in agricultural infrastructure, and creating value chains for important crops, the government hopes to increase local production over the long run. The Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) and the Anchor Borrowers’ Program were two previous initiatives to enhance Food Security that sought to improve agricultural output and expand farmers’ access to credit.
Nevertheless, there have been problems with these projects, like poor financing and uneven execution. There has been much discussion about the importing policy. There are those who contend that it acts as a vital safety net to maintain prices, while others feel it deters small-scale farmers and may increase reliance on imports. The program, according to government officials, is intended to serve as a temporary solution until more permanent measures are implemented. They highlight current initiatives to boost domestic production capacity and assist regional farmers.
Related Article: AFDB Head Criticize Govt Food Import Policy
The proposed food imports and the E-extension initiative have substantial potential social and economic effects. Importing food goods may be able to stabilize market prices in the near future, relieving some of the immediate financial strain on households with high food expenses. If not handled with caution, though, it could demotivate nearby farmers and impede the advancement of self-sufficiency. On the flip side, the E-extension initiative shows promise for long-term gains in agricultural production, which might result in higher Farmer incomes, improved food security, and general Economic Growth in the agricultural industry. To fully realize these advantages, it will be essential to make sure that digital technologies are successfully integrated with conventional extension services.