The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo, has called on the government to enhance the agricultural extension system to better support Nigerian farmers and boost food production.
Addressing attendees at the reunion of the 1986 set from the University of Ife School of Agriculture at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Adebayo raised alarms about the misallocation of government support failing genuine farmers.
In his lecture titled “Networking Through Alumni Association for Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Development,” Adebayo highlighted the urgent need for targeted assistance, emphasizing that Nigerian farmers have unique advantages over competitors but are often overlooked.
“Many genuine farmers are preoccupied with production, missing out on government benefits. Even when opportunities arise, they frequently benefit those outside genuine agriculture,” Adebayo lamented.
He proposed the direct deployment of agricultural extension officers to farms, advocating for a robust system that moves past bureaucratic delays. “The current extension system lacks effectiveness. Strengthening it is essential for creating a significant impact,” he noted.
Adebayo also criticized the country’s dependence on imported rice during food shortages, highlighting missed opportunities for local farmers to cultivate this essential crop with adequate support.
“Importing rice to fight hunger raises the question: who is producing it? If local farmers had been engaged with proper extension support, they could have contributed to the economy,” he stated.
Supporting Adebayo’s views, former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ondo State, Dr. Samson Odedina, emphasized the necessity of supporting farmers at all levels to improve food security.
“Globally, support for farmers is essential to ensure food security and stimulate economic growth,” Odedina remarked, encouraging young Nigerians to pursue agricultural opportunities due to its profitability. He also urged the government to seek expert advice for sector development, steering clear of reliance on superficial online sources.
