The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), World Bank and other stakeholders, has launched the 2022 National Agricultural Sample Census Report (NASC).
The initiative aims to gather comprehensive data on agricultural activities to support evidence-based policy and decision-making, enhance food and nutrition security and foster economic growth in Nigeria.
During the launch event in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi highlighted the significance of the census in providing the ministry with statistics to monitor agricultural food supply and identify opportunities for sector development. He emphasised the importance of measuring data for effective management.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu commended the collaborative efforts of FMAFS and its development partners. He described the census as a prime example of the positive outcomes achievable through robust stakeholder collaboration.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dominque Koffy Kouacou emphasised the critical role of the report in aiding policymakers’ decisions in planning, monitoring, evaluation, and budgeting for programmes.
The statistician-general of the Federation and CEO of NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran stated that the NASC results offer vital insights into Nigeria’s agricultural sector, where over 65 per cent of the population depends directly or indirectly. The report provides a detailed overview of farm holdings, land use patterns, crop production practices, livestock and fisheries activities and the use of agricultural inputs.
The report revealed that Nigeria has approximately 40.2 million agricultural households, with 91 per cent involved in crop cultivation and 35 per cent exclusively practising crop cultivation. Additionally, about 48 per cent of agricultural households are engaged in livestock production, with significant percentages reported in different states.
The event was attended by stakeholders, including the representative of the country director, World Bank, the deputy chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development and other dignitaries.
In a statement by ministry’s director of information signed by Mabel Obe highlighted the unveiling of the National Agricultural Sample Census Report as the key highlight of the event.
