ActionAid advocates agric insurance for farmers
ActionAid Nigeria and other stakeholders have urged all tiers of government to promote the enrolment of smallholder farmers in agricultural insurance schemes.
They noted that the measure would help mitigate risks associated with insecurity and climate-related challenges.
The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the annual National Consultative Meeting on the 2026 Agriculture Budget on Friday in Abuja.
The stakeholders noted that many farmers were discouraged from continuing agricultural activities due to insecurity, including cattle rustling, kidnapping, farm raids, and climate-induced disasters.
They urged governments to invest in early warning systems and take timely action to address security threats affecting rural communities and national food security.
“To reduce farmer-herder conflicts, the government should initiate hybrid pasture development projects that offer alternative, secured, and sustainable sources of feed for livestock,” the communiqué stated.
According to the document, such projects would help mitigate movement-related tensions and contribute to stability in both farming and pastoralist communities.
The communiqué also revealed the under-representation of youth and persons with disabilities in agricultural investment in spite of their large population.
The communiqué called for adequate funding of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation.
It said the funding would enable the development and commercialisation of inclusive, labour-saving technologies such as motorised shellers, grinders, and dryers tailored for women, youth, and cooperatives led by PWDs.
“These tools are essential for reducing drudgery, improving productivity, and making agriculture more attractive and accessible,” it said.
The stakeholders further recommended the establishment of state-level youth farm clusters with access to land, inputs, and mechanisation services, alongside regional agri-innovation hubs for digital agriculture training, agro-processing, and climate-smart practices.
“These platforms must intentionally include young women and PWDs, fostering their leadership in modern agribusiness,” the communiqué added.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Showbiz
Actor Femi Adebayo unveils entertainment hub in Lagos
Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo, on Tuesday unveiled an entertainment hub, a film and media production facility in Oregun, Lagos.
Politics
Tinubu’s door-to-door movement suspends campaign over plane crash
The President Bola Tinubu Door-to-Door Movement has suspended its campaign activities for one week following the killing of military operatives in an aircraft crash.
States
Gov Mbah appoints Richard Agu as transport commissioner
Mr Ozor resigned after an alleged Economic and Financial Crimes Commission probe into embezzlement of billions of naira.
Lagos
Yoruba leaders establish platform for unity, collective action
Yoruba leaders across socio-political and advocacy groups have established Yoruba Parapo as a central platform for unity, consultation and collective action.
Politics
Gov Idris buys house to relocate mosque in Malami’s Birnin Kebbi community
Governor Nasir Idris approved the purchase of a building to relocate a temporary mosque in the Go-Slow Road area of Birnin Kebbi, a community near Abubakar Malami’s family house.
States
Aguleri-Anam Violence: Soludo orders ceasefire, sets up inquiry commission
On Friday, the Anambra government ordered the closure of Otuocha Market after a clash between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities, which resulted in five deaths.
