Prof. Makarfi Advocates Microfinance as Key to Food Security, Poverty Reduction at BUK 64th Inaugural Lecture
Prof. Makarfi Advocates Microfinance as Key to Food Security, Poverty Reduction at BUK 64th Inaugural Lecture
UmarFarouk123 
Professor Muhammad Ahmad Makarfi of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Bayero University, Kano, has identified inclusive microfinance as a critical pathway to addressing food insecurity and poverty in Nigeria.
Delivering the university's 64th Professorial Inaugural Lecture titled Innovative Options for Nigeria's Food Security and Poverty Alleviation: The Microfinance Pathway to Sustainable Development, on Thursday, October 14, 2026, at the CBN Centre of Excellence, Makarfi argued that despite Nigeria's vast agricultural resources, limited access to affordable finance, insecurity, climate change, weak infrastructure and low productivity continue to undermine food production and rural livelihoods.
He maintained that improving access to agricultural finance, particularly for smallholder farmers, would stimulate investment, increase productivity and strengthen national food security. He reviewed Nigeria's agricultural finance policies and interventions, highlighting the need for innovative credit delivery systems, including microfinance institutions and Islamic finance models, to make funding more accessible, affordable and sustainable.
In his recommendations, Makarfi stressed that sustainable food security and poverty alleviation require policies that prioritise increased domestic production through improved access to finance, modern technologies, quality inputs and markets. He recommended strengthening microfinance institutions, expanding farmer-friendly financing mechanisms and creating an enabling environment for investment across the agricultural value chain.
Earlier, the Chairman of the lecture and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni, commended the lecturer for the insightful topic.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Aminu Sulaiman, who read the lecturer's citation, said Makarfi has over 150 local and international publications, 10 book chapters and 8 books.
Professor Mahmoud Ibrahim Daneji, who represented the Head of Agricultural Economics and Extension, delivered the vote of thanks.
