In a recent interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time,’ the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Ibrahim, explained why farmers can’t simply produce and sell food at lower prices. His insights shed light on a complex issue that goes far beyond just transportation costs, and it’s a conversation that resonates deeply with the mission of AyosifamHub: to connect farmers and consumers with valuable information.
The Unspoken Struggles of Nigerian Farmers
Ibrahim emphasized that the fight against food insecurity is a multi-faceted battle that won’t be won by roadside transport committees alone. He painted a clear picture of the immense challenges facing the agricultural sector right now, challenges that are directly contributing to the rising cost of food in our markets.
One of the most significant issues is the steep price of farming inputs.1 As Ibrahim pointed out, “No fertilizer sells for less than ₦50,000.” This single factor is a massive burden on farmers. When the cost of production is this high, it’s impossible for them to sell their produce at a low price and still make a living.
Adding to this is the pervasive problem of insecurity. Farmers, particularly those who grow rice and maize, are increasingly reluctant to return to their fields due to the constant threat of violence and kidnapping. When farmers are afraid to farm, it leads to a drastic drop in productivity, and as Ibrahim noted, productivity is lower now than it’s been in a long time.
A Call for Comprehensive Solutions
The AFAN boss isn’t just highlighting problems; he’s also offering solutions. He urged authorities to take urgent action on several fronts:
Provide Security: Ensuring the safety of farmers in their fields is the most critical step. Without a secure environment, food production will continue to decline.
Subsidize Inputs: Making essential farming inputs like fertilizers more affordable would directly reduce the cost of production for farmers. This would, in turn, allow them to sell their goods at a more reasonable price.
Innovate Logistics: Ibrahim even suggested a creative approach to easing the movement of food. He proposed using dedicated, siren-mounted vehicles for transporting food produce, which would be given free lanes. While this might sound unusual, he noted it’s a practice used in other countries to ensure food reaches markets efficiently.
These comprehensive measures, according to Ibrahim, are what’s truly needed to combat food inflation and win the battle against food insecurity. It’s a sobering reminder that the journey from the farm to our table is filled with many hurdles, and it’s a journey we need to understand to truly support our farmers.
What do you think? Have you noticed these challenges firsthand? Leave your comments and views below! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this important topic here at AyosifamHub.
