Temitope Fadeshemi, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, says 88.4 million people in Nigeria are living in extreme poverty.

Mr Fadeshemi spoke on Wednesday in Kaduna while distributing farm inputs and empowerment materials to 250 smallholder farmers.

“The level of poverty in Nigeria is alarming. An estimated population of 88.4 million people in Nigeria is living in extreme poverty. The number of men living on less than $1.90 U.S. a day in the country reached around 44.7 million, while the count was 43.7 million for women.

”Overall, 12.9 per cent of the global population in extreme poverty was found in Nigeria as of 2022. This is why the Federal government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with FMAFS, is making conscious efforts at reducing the spate of poverty across the country,” said Mr Fadeshemi.

According to Fadeshemi, the event marked a significant milestone in the federal government’s commitment to uplifting smallholder farmers’ lives and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

He added, “I am delighted to remind you that NPRGS, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service (FDAE), has diligently enumerated and validated approximately 250 farmers for participation in this transformative programme.

”These farmers are not just the backbone of our agricultural sector; they are the heartbeat that forms the heartbeat of our nation’s prosperity. The NPRGS reflects our government’s dedication to addressing poverty at its roots, emphasizing the pivotal role agriculture plays in economic growth and development.”

Mr Fadeshemi explained that initiatives like “today’s training and empowerment programme, we are sowing the seeds of positive change, ensuring that smallholder farmers have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.”

Mr Fadeshemi said the programme was not merely an agricultural investment but an investment in the nation’s future.

He said, ”As we equip these farmers with the tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practices, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.

”I commend the efforts of the FDAE for their meticulous work in identifying and validating deserving farmers for this programme. The collaboration between our Ministry and the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) exemplifies the power of synergy in achieving meaningful impact.”

Mr Fadeshemi added, “To the participating farmers, I say this: your role is paramount in shaping the trajectory of our nation’s agricultural success. As you undergo this training and empowerment journey, absorb the knowledge, hone your skills, and apply the insights gained to elevate your farms and communities.”

According to the permanent secretary, the success of the farmers is intertwined with the nation’s prosperity. 

“Together, we shall create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of our beloved country. Let us embrace this opportunity to build a future where smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of progress but active contributors to our nation’s growth.

“With determination, collaboration, and a shared vision, we can transform challenges into opportunities and empower our agricultural sector to lead the way towards a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria,” stated Mr Fadeshemi.

(NAN)