FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has further demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural sector by urging cocoa farmers to build strong institutions capable of ensuring food security in the country. He made the call during a summit of All Commodities’ Value Chain Associations Representatives in Nigeria. This is particularly timely as the nation struggles with a worsening food crisis. By encouraging farmers to form powerful and well-organised associations, he has no doubt, highlighted the crucial pathway towards economic empowerment, resilience, and sustainability in Nigerian agriculture.
Obasanjo’s emphasis on a cohesive agricultural structure draws inspiration from the Soybean Farmers Association of America, a body influential enough to play a role in determining the outcomes of presidential elections in the United States. He believes that if Nigerian farmers unite similarly, they will not only improve their productivity, but also wield greater influence in policy decisions affecting the agricultural sector. A robust farmers’ institutions, according to him, would allow for better access to funding, enhanced bargaining power, and stronger advocacy for policies that support food production and security.
The urgency of Obasanjo’s call is underscored by the alarming statistics on food insecurity in Nigeria. A 2023 report by the National Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning indicated that over 31.8 million Nigerians suffered from acute food insecurity, with malnutrition among women and children worsening the crisis. The United Nations World Food Programme further predicts that by 2025, a staggering 33 million people will face severe food shortages, with the number of those in emergency levels of need almost doubling. These figures paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s food security situation, making it imperative for stakeholders—farmers, the government, and private investors—to act swiftly.
One of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerian farmers, particularly those engaged in cocoa production and other key commodities, is limited access to funding and modern farming techniques. Many small-scale farmers have continued to operate at subsistence levels, thus making it impossible for them to invest in mechanized farming or large-scale production due to a lack of capital. To address this, there is an urgent need for the federal government to facilitate low-interest loans for farmers, enabling them to scale up operations and improve yields, quality, and profitability. Agricultural cooperatives and associations must also play a proactive role in negotiating favourable financial terms for their members, thereby reducing dependency on exploitative intermediaries.
Beyond financial empowerment, security remains one of the biggest threats to food production in Nigeria. The northern region, regarded as the nation’s food basket, has been under relentless siege by bandits, insurgents, and other non-state actors. This has driven thousands of farmers away from their fields, leading to massive food shortages and escalating prices across the country. Without decisive government intervention to restore peace and ensure farmers’ safety, any effort to enhance food security will be significantly undermined. Security agencies must prioritise protecting agricultural zones, ensuring that farmers can cultivate their land without fear of attack.
In addition to tackling security concerns, investment in agricultural infrastructure is critical. Nigeria must develop efficient storage and distribution systems, reduce post-harvest losses, and provide subsidised farming equipment to farmers’ cooperatives. With climate change increasingly affecting rainfall patterns and soil fertility, efforts must be directed towards promoting climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance resilience to environmental challenges.
Obasanjo’s call for farmers’empowerment indeed goes beyond agriculture—it is a call for economic liberation in al ramifications. A nation that cannot feed itself is inherently vulnerable, relying on imports and foreign aid to meet basic nutritional needs. Strengthening local agricultural production not only boosts food security but also creates employment opportunities. It has the potentials to stimulate economic growth, and enhance Nigeria’s standing as a major player in the global commodities market.
The war against food insecurity is one that must be won. With the right strategies in place, enormous political will, and strongcommitment from all stakeholders, the country can transitfrom a nation battling food scarcity to one that feeds itself and theentire world as well.
