The Nigerian Federal Government is taking a significant step to tackle the shortage of extension workers and enhance the training of farmers through the development of a new web application. This innovative move aims to equip farmers with vital guidelines and best practices in modern farming techniques.
Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agricultural and Food Security, recently shared insights into this initiative during a television interview. He highlighted that the development of the web app is crucial due to the low ratio of extension workers to farmers in the country. This disparity has made it difficult for many farmers to access essential agricultural information.
"We recognize that the current ratio of extension workers to farmers is inadequate, leaving many farmers without access to essential information," Abdullahi explained. "We are working on an E-extension program that includes developing an app, which will be translated into major languages to ensure accessibility for farmers to guide their operations."
This web app is part of a broader effort to modernize agricultural practices and improve productivity among Nigerian farmers. The app will provide comprehensive training resources, ensuring that farmers can access up-to-date information on best practices, regardless of their location.
In addition to this technological advancement, Abdullahi assured Nigerians that the government's programs and interventions would soon mitigate inflationary pressures on commodities. He revealed that the government plans to import specific food commodities within 150 to 180 days as a short-term measure to boost supply and reduce prices.
Nigeria is currently grappling with a severe food crisis, with food inflation reaching 40.87% in June. International development organizations have projected that these numbers will continue to rise, with the International Rescue Committee estimating that 32 million Nigerians will face a severe food crisis between June and August 2024.
In response, the federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, announced plans last week to allow duty-free importation of essential food items such as maize, rice paddy, and wheat for 150 days to stabilize market prices. However, this decision has sparked criticism, especially from local farmers, as it contradicts President Tinubu's earlier stance on food security, which emphasized domestic food production over importation.
The policy has also raised concerns about its long-term impact on the economy. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and former Minister of Agriculture expressed his disapproval during the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa retreat held in Abuja. "Nigeria cannot import its way out of food insecurity. Nigeria must not be turned into a food import-dependent nation," Adesina remarked, calling the policy "depressing."
As the government moves forward with the development of the web app and other interventions, it remains to be seen how these measures will address the ongoing food crisis and support the nation's farmers in the long run. The web app stands as a promising tool to bridge the information gap and empower farmers with the knowledge they need to thrive in the modern agricultural landscape.
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