Recent research has revealed a dramatic rise in Food Prices in Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano States, a trend that is prevalent in other parts of the country. The rise in prices in the states was most noticeable in items like rice, bread, sugar, garri, beef, and eggs, which are commonly found in households. These increasing prices have significantly lowered the quality of life for many residents, causing a majority of households to struggle to provide three meals a day. In Katsina, some residents in the city have voiced their worries about the ongoing surge in the costs of groceries and various items within the area.
Many people in the community are struggling with Poverty and hunger due to the rising cost of food and other economic challenges. While some residents blame the state’s economic situation, others point to the Insecurity as a contributing factor. To address these issues, the Katsina State government has hired 722 extension workers and equipped them with motorcycles and tools to support the agricultural sector. KT-CARES, a program initiated by the state government, has provided aid to more than 6,100 farmers within the state.
Increased transportation costs led to a rise in food prices.
A recent partnership between a local NGO, Mercy Corps, and the state government has been implemented towards resolving conflicts between herders and farmers in key areas. Meanwhile, some farmers in Kaduna State blamed the removal of fuel Subsidies by the federal government as a factor that led to increased transportation costs, prompting them to raise the prices of food items. As part of a connected progress, the Kaduna State Government has provided farm supplies, tools, and machinery to 40,000 small-scale farmers to enhance food Manufacturing under the ‘A Koma Gona’ (Back to Farm) program.
In an effort to address tensions between herders and farmers, the state government launched the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) initiative. The implementation of this project has not only eased conflicts between farmers and Herdsmen but has also helped in improving Food Security. Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, who leads the Kaduna State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), believes that the expensive prices of food in the state can be attributed to issues with the timely and sufficient supply of agricultural inputs. He mentioned that the farmers faced obstacles in beginning their farming activities promptly despite the early onset of rains due to expensive fertilizer, as well as the delayed distribution of seedlings and Pesticides.
Government should collaborate with farm produce marketers.
Aminu expressed optimism that the distribution of farm inputs through mobile phones by the federal government this year will lead to abundant harvests. Agriculture experts in Kano State recommend that the government collaborate with farm produce marketers and large-scale farmers to address the issue of high food prices in the nation. To address the rising food prices, Alhaji Nasiru Musa, the Managing Director of ANS farms limited, suggested that collaborating with reputable farm-produce marketers and large-scale farmers would be an effective and practical approach.
Abubakar Sani, a former director of the state ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of federal government collaboration with large-scale farmers in the North. Sani highlighted that the weak value of the Naira was leading to the exportation of farm products to neighboring African countries. Additionally, he urged both federal and state governments to provide essential support to farmers, such as solar-powered pumps, fertilizers, seeds, extension services, pesticides, and more. According to Sanusi Bature, the Kano State Governor’s Director General of Media, the governor has given the green light for the purchase of fertilizer worth more than ₦5 billion. This decision reflects the state’s dedication to achieving food sufficiency and promoting agricultural productivity.
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Abdulfatah Adewale, a financial expert, suggested that the Federal Government should consider lowering taxes and duties, as well as promoting the use of goods and services made in Nigeria to tackle the economic issues affecting the people. Adewale recommended implementing Tax reductions as part of fiscal policies to incentivize businesses to grow, invest, and hire more employees. In addition, Adewale recommended that the government decrease import duties on certain items, provide rewards for those who purchase locally made products, and invest more funds into the agricultural field.
