In a decisive move to mitigate the looming food crisis predicted for 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs to 49,000 farmers in Northeast Nigeria.
Speaking during the official launch in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Thursday, FAO’s Emergency Programme Specialist Coordinator, Mr. Luc Leger Manga, highlighted the global and local challenges driving this intervention.
He noted that climate change, devastating floods, inflation, and rising costs of agricultural inputs and food have exacerbated food insecurity across the country.
Manga revealed alarming statistics from the recent Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis presented on November 1, 2024, in Abuja.
The report indicates that over 25 million Nigerians currently face food insecurity, with projections estimating that the figure could rise to 33.1 million between June and August 2025.
“This initiative represents a critical step in FAO’s commitment to enhancing agricultural resilience in Northeast Nigeria,” Manga said.
He emphasized the organisation’s dedication to restoring livelihoods, particularly for households affected by conflict, climate shocks, and economic pressures.
In Adamawa State, the intervention will directly benefit 9,800 households across six local government areas: Girei, Madagali, Mayo Belwa, Mubi North, Numan, and Song.
Essential inputs provided include seeds, fertilisers, and solar-powered water pumps to support dry season farming and boost food production.
“Each household will receive either 10 kg of maize seeds, 12.5 kg of rice seeds, or a combination of vegetable seeds, along with 25 kg of NPK 15:15:15 fertiliser,” Manga explained.
He added that farmer groups would share water pumps for irrigation, ensuring sustainable farming practices in flood-affected and relocated communities.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Special Adviser on Food Security, Dr. Dishi Kube, commended FAO for its efforts and urged beneficiaries to utilize the inputs judiciously.
The governor warned against the misuse or sale of the inputs, promising strict monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance.
“This initiative is not just about immediate relief but about building resilience and restoring livelihoods for communities in the Northeast,” Manga reiterated.
The FAO intervention, in partnership with the Adamawa State Government and other stakeholders, underscores the collective commitment to addressing food insecurity and fostering sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.