The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning (FMBNP), has empowered 250 vulnerable smallholder farmers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), the empowerment programme seeks to address poverty at its roots and contribute to the economic growth of Nigerians. The initiative, which involves the distribution of agricultural inputs, aims to equip smallholder farmers with the necessary resources to thrive in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
At the training and empowerment event held at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Gwagwalada, Abuja, the permanent secretary of FMAFS, Mr. Temitope Fadeshemi, represented by the director of the department of agricultural extension services, Mr. Michael Brooks highlighted the strategic importance of smallholder farmers in the agricultural sector and national prosperity.
Fadeshemi emphasised the role of farmers in the President Tinubu-led ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda and urged them to recognize their significance in shaping the nation’s agricultural success. The empowerment initiative is a pivotal component of the broader agenda to boost production, achieve food and nutrition security and uplift the economic well-being of farmers.
Speaking about the impact of such initiatives, Fadeshemi noted, “Through initiatives like training and empowerment programs, we are sowing the seeds of positive change, ensuring that smallholder farmers have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive.”
The programme, aligned with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, seeks to equip farmers with tools that enhance productivity, improve resilience and encourage sustainable agricultural practices. By providing free agricultural inputs, the government aims to support farmers and foster a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
Brooks, who was represented by Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, emphasised the significance of the distributed inputs in boosting farmers’ productivity. He underscored the importance of recognising the vital role farmers play and urged Nigerians to engage in backyard farming to alleviate pressure and address the issue of hunger.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Lydia Oke, expressed gratitude for the intervention, pledging to use the provided inputs judiciously. The event’s highlights included the training sessions and the distribution of agricultural inputs, marking a significant stride in the government’s efforts to empower smallholder farmers and strengthen food security in the nation.
