The Ogun State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on the state government to give farmers and recognised farmer associations greater recognition and active participation in programmes relating to agriculture, food security and community development.
The association’s Chairperson, Ganiyat Kusimo, made the appeal while speaking with journalists on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Kusimo commended the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for its efforts to promote agricultural development, strengthen food security, support communities and implement social intervention programmes.
She, however, expressed concern that farmers and their recognised associations were not adequately involved in some government initiatives, particularly those connected with food production, food security, rural development and community empowerment.
According to her, farmers should be actively involved in the planning and implementation of programmes that directly affect the food system.
“Farmers are at the centre of the food system. Whenever government programmes involve food distribution, community health or food security, farmers should have a clear place,” she said.
Kusimo cited project inaugurations and other initiatives associated with programmes chaired by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly those focused on food distribution, community health and development.
She said the recent launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Ogun State by the First Lady was among the initiatives where farmers should have been adequately represented.
The AFAN chairperson argued that because such programmes were closely linked to agriculture and food production, farmers should not be relegated to the position of observers.
She said greater involvement of farmers would improve the effectiveness of government interventions and ensure that programmes reflect the realities and needs of people directly engaged in food production.
Kusimo also raised concerns about the difficulties farmers face in attending official government events, particularly transportation and other logistical costs.
She explained that many farmers operate in rural communities and have limited resources to cover expenses associated with attending official engagements.
“We are appealing to our governor to establish a coordinated mechanism for informing, representing and supporting recognised farmer associations during relevant government programmes,” she said.
The association urged the state government to consider farmers as strategic development partners rather than merely beneficiaries of agricultural interventions.
Kusimo said the knowledge, experience and active participation of farmers were essential to achieving Ogun State’s food security objectives.
She reaffirmed AFAN’s readiness to collaborate with the Ogun State Government and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development.
She also called for increased youth participation in agribusiness and stronger support for farmers to improve their livelihoods across the state.
Kusimo appreciated the state government’s efforts in the agricultural sector and urged the administration to ensure that farmers were fully included in programmes aimed at strengthening Ogun State’s food system.
