National Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE) and KWASU calls for review of agric policies
National Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE) calls for review of agric policies
Amanna
The National Association of Agricultural Economists has called on the Federal Government to review current agricultural policies in favour of small and medium scale food production enterprise.
This call was contained in a communique issued at the end of the NAAE’s 23rd National Conference held at Kwara State University from October 16 to 19, 2023.
The communique which was signed by the National President of the NAAE, Professor Job Nmadu and the LOC Chairperson, Professor Taibat M. Yusuf stated that the inefficient performance of agricultural policies over the years is partly due to the fact that agricultural professional associations were not consulted during policy formulation.
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It was also noted that to achieve growth and development in the sector, adequate funding and investment in research for development, R4D, should be integrated in to national agriculture policies.
The conference resolved that appropriate credit facilities are needed by farmers, marketers and ago-processors to stimulate competitiveness in the industry
Further highlighting the government’s role in developing the agricultural industry, the Association stated that redesigning support infrastructure will boost local food production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on food importation.
Among other variables listed in the communique, value addition to increase the shelf life of farm produce and increase investor profits will make the industry lucrative and attractive to the youth.
Having more trained youths in the sector will increase employment and reduce the ageing farming population phenomenon, the Association said.
The communique also called for a lasting solution to the violent conflicts and insecurities experienced by rural farming communities, stating that these strife pose a great threat to food security in Nigeria.
