Agribusiness Stakeholders Warn of Looming Famine in Nigeria, Urge Tinubu to Take Action

Agribusiness Stakeholders Warn of Looming Famine in Nigeria, Urge Tinubu to Take Action

August 1, 2023 Off By Author

Agribusiness stakeholders in Nigeria have issued a stark warning about a potential famine in the country, urging the influential political leader Bola Tinubu to intervene. The warning comes in response to ongoing issues in the nation’s agricultural sector, which have been exacerbated by security challenges and climate change impacts.

Stakeholders, including farmers, traders, and agricultural policy experts, have pointed out that Nigeria is experiencing a drastic drop in food production. Factors such as farmer-herder clashes, kidnappings, and other security challenges have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to cultivate their lands, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity.

Climate change, manifesting in unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather events, has further compounded these issues. Farmers, particularly in northern Nigeria, have been hard-hit by these changing conditions, which have disrupted traditional farming calendars and practices.

These challenges have resulted in a decrease in food availability and a corresponding increase in food prices, heightening concerns about food security. Stakeholders warn that without immediate and effective intervention, the country could face a severe famine.

In their appeal to Tinubu, who is a leading figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, stakeholders have called for a comprehensive strategy to address the country’s agricultural challenges. This includes improving security in rural areas, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, and investing in agricultural research and development.

The looming food crisis in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and strategic investments in the country’s agricultural sector. It also highlights the critical role of agriculture in ensuring food security and economic stability in the face of increasingly complex challenges.