Youth members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the South-West have expressed concern over the worsening security situation affecting farming activities, warning that continued insecurity poses a serious threat to food production and the livelihoods of rural communities across the region.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué presented by the South-West Chairman of the AFAN Youth Group, Mr. Feyisayo Dada, during a news conference held in Ibadan.
According to the communiqué, persistent insecurity has continued to disrupt farming operations, discourage investment in agriculture and limit farmers’ access to their farmlands, with adverse consequences for agricultural productivity.
The group noted that many farmers now face growing risks of attacks, crop losses and reduced cultivation, factors that could further weaken food production and worsen food insecurity.
The youth farmers stressed that the situation is particularly affecting rural communities where agriculture remains the primary source of income and employment.
They called on the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to strengthen security measures in farming communities and along rural access roads to enable farmers to carry out their activities without fear.
The association also urged policymakers to implement interventions that would protect farmers, safeguard agricultural investments and encourage greater youth participation in the sector.
According to the group, improving security is essential to increasing food production, stabilising food prices and achieving sustainable agricultural development.
The AFAN youth leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote agricultural growth and rural development while calling for stronger collaboration among government, security agencies and stakeholders to address the security challenges confronting Nigeria’s farming communities.
