Nigeria is facing a severe food insecurity crisis, and the United Nations is urging the country to boost millet production as part of the solution.
Frequent attacks on farmers by armed groups have severely impacted agricultural activities, resulting in a significant shortfall in millet production. The scarcity of millet and other food crops has been exacerbated by rising transportation costs, making it difficult for farmers to get their produce to market.
Abdullah Hassan, a millet farmer in Jo, located in north central region narrates how this year’s yield has been adversely affected by frequent attacks on farmers. Many farmers, like Hassan, have been unable to cultivate their lands due to safety concerns, leading to a decline in millet production.
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Millet is such a wonderful crop that can be used in tackling hunger. As farmers, we should be cultivating more. Many of us can’t do so again due to insecurity. What we harvested this year is less than last year.
Abdullah Hassan said.
Apart from security concerns, the removal of petrol subsidies has led to increased transportation costs. Car owners and truck drivers now charge more to transport agricultural produce, further straining farmers and making food prices to increase. This scenario has put immense pressure on households struggling to afford essential food items.
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UN’s Call for Increased Millet Production: Recognizing the potential of millet in addressing hunger, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is urging Nigeria to prioritize millet cultivation. However, the organization emphasizes that addressing insecurity is crucial for farmers to produce optimally. Without a secure environment, farmers cannot tend to their fields effectively.
In response to the crisis, Nigerian President Bola Tbu has declared a state of emergency on food insecurity. The government is taking steps to support farmers by providing improved seeds and fertilizers. Additionally, over 10,000 personnel in the Agro Rangers department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps have been trained to protect farmers against attacks, aiming to create a safer environment for agricultural activities to all Nigerians.
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