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)