By Grace Samuel
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The All Farmers Progressive Association (AFPA) has affirmed its preparedness to collaborate with the Norwegian authorities to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural value chain across key commodities.
Dr. Ogbo Joseph Douglas, the president of AFPA, conveyed his appreciation to the Norwegian government and Ambassador Svein Baera for their willingness and dedication to assisting Nigeria in advancing its agricultural sector and ensuring food security, as stated in a press release.
AFPA, a prominent coalition of farmers’ groups with more than 10 million members distributed across all 774 local governments in Nigeria, is actively promoting the use of mechanization and automation in farming techniques, particularly through the adoption of smart farming methods. Dr. Douglas expressed AFPA’s willingness to engage in alliances aimed at tackling hunger and eradicating poverty in the country.
Emphasizing the power of collaboration, Dr. Douglas highlighted AFPA’s belief in working together to achieve common goals. The association has actively advocated for policies supporting small-scale farmers and rural development, collaborating closely with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for farmers to thrive.
Regarding their focus on mechanization and automation, Dr. Douglas explained that AFPA believes these technologies can significantly improve productivity, reduce labor costs, and increase overall efficiency in farming. The association has been promoting modern farming techniques, including precision agriculture, drone technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to achieve these goals.
Dr. Douglas, along with Ambassador Baera, emphasized the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy and reducing its dependency on oil and gas. Agriculture, they highlighted, has the potential to create more jobs, reduce poverty, and ensure food security in the country.
Baera urged the Nigerian government to invest in modern farming techniques, such as mechanization and irrigation, to increase productivity and efficiency in the agricultural sector. He also stressed the need for improved infrastructure, access to finance, and training for farmers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Furthermore, Baera highlighted the potential for collaboration between Norway and Nigeria in the agribusiness sector, citing Norwegian expertise in areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, and renewable energy, which could be beneficial for Nigeria’s agricultural development.
