The Ogun State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called for increased recognition and active participation of farmers in government programmes related to agriculture, food security and community development.
The association’s Chairperson, Ganiyat Kusimo, made the appeal while speaking with journalists on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Ms Kusimo commended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for its efforts to promote agricultural development, strengthen food security, support communities and implement social intervention programmes.
However, she expressed concern that farmers and their recognised associations were not sufficiently involved in some government initiatives, particularly those connected with food production, food security, rural development and community empowerment.
According to her, farmers should play an active role in the planning and implementation of programmes directly linked to the food system.
“Farmers are at the centre of the food system. Whenever government programmes involve food distribution, community health or food security, farmers should have a clear place,” she said.
She referred to project inaugurations and other activities associated with programmes chaired by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, especially initiatives focused on food distribution, community health and development.
Ms Kusimo said the recent launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Ogun State by the First Lady was among the initiatives in which farmers should be adequately represented.
She maintained that because such interventions were closely tied to agriculture and food production, farmers should not be relegated to the role of observers.
According to her, involving farmers more directly would improve the impact of government interventions and help ensure that programmes reflect the realities and needs of those responsible for food production.
The AFAN chairperson also expressed concern over the challenges farmers face in attending official government events, particularly the cost of transportation and other logistics.
“Many farmers operate in rural communities and have limited resources to cover transportation and other expenses associated with attending official engagements.
“We are appealing to our governor to establish a coordinated mechanism for informing, representing and supporting recognised farmer associations during relevant government programmes,” she said.
Ms Kusimo urged the state government to regard farmers as key partners in development rather than merely beneficiaries of agricultural interventions.
She said the knowledge, experience and participation of farmers were critical to achieving the state’s food security objectives.
The AFAN chairperson reaffirmed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the Ogun State Government and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development.
She also called for increased youth participation in agribusiness and improved support for farmers to enhance their livelihoods across the state.
Ms Kusimo appreciated the government’s efforts in the agricultural sector and urged the administration to ensure that farmers were not excluded from programmes designed to strengthen Ogun State’s food system.
