Agricultural Agenda Nigeria Initiative (AANI), a non-governmental organisation, has called on the government and stakeholders to prioritise investments in agriculture, rural infrastructure, research, and extension services.

Ephraim Audu, national president of AANI, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday as the country marked Democracy Day.

Mr Audu stated that agriculture was essential for inclusive growth, youth employment, and national prosperity, values that democracy should uphold.

“As we mark this significant milestone in our nation’s history, we call on all stakeholders, including government at all levels, the organised private sector, civil society organisations, and development partners, to prioritise investments in agriculture, rural infrastructure, research, and extension services.

“Only through a united and sustained effort can we unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensure food security, economic diversification, and shared prosperity for all,” he said.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to a vision of Nigeria where every farmer would have the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive, explaining that when agriculture grew, Nigeria grew.

Mr Audu, therefore, advised increased budgetary allocation to agriculture to meet and exceed the Maputo Declaration commitment of 10 per cent of the national budget, with a clear focus on smallholder farmers, women, and youth.

“Strengthen and digitise agricultural extension services to ensure farmers have real-time access to best practices, improved inputs, and climate-smart innovations across all geopolitical zones.

“Improve rural infrastructure by prioritising the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and efficiently connect farmers to markets.

“Promote access to affordable credit and inputs by expanding access to low-interest credit through farmer-friendly financial instruments, ensuring timely and transparent distribution of fertilizers, improved seeds, and agrochemicals.

“Invest in agro-tech and digital agriculture to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural systems and increase youth participation in agribusiness.

“Enact and enforce gender-inclusive land reform policies to secure land tenure and enable farmers, especially women and young people, to access, own, and invest in agricultural land without discrimination.

“Enhance climate resilience and environmental sustainability by developing and implementing a national climate-smart agriculture strategy that promotes sustainable land use, reforestation, and adaptation to climate change, especially in vulnerable regions.”

He also advocated fostering research, innovation, and agro-industrialization by strengthening research institutions and promoting partnerships with development organisations to drive value addition, local processing, and export diversification through agro-industrial clusters.

Mr Audu said the policy recommendations, if implemented with political will and accountability, could reposition Nigeria’s agricultural sector to feed its growing population, create millions of jobs, and build a more resilient and inclusive economy.

“As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to empowering rural communities, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring food security for every Nigerian.

“Today, we celebrate not only our nation’s milestones but also the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of more than 20 million registered smallholder farmers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, spanning 774 Local Government Areas.

“They are the backbone of our economy and the true custodians of our land.

“At AANI, we have committed resources and are set to empower and support up to 1,000 smallholder farmers nationwide as a deliberate action towards reducing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

“We stand ready to partner with relevant stakeholders to make this vision a reality.”

AANI focuses on Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2, No Poverty and Zero Hunger, through smallholder farmer aggregation, women and youth empowerment, access to markets, and rural community development.

(NAN)