By Abbas Nazil
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on the federal, state, and local governments to urgently employ agriculture graduates and train them as extension officers to revitalize rural farming and promote the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
AFAN’s Chairman and leader of the association’s stakeholders, Mr. Tunde Arosanyin, made the appeal on Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria.
According to him, there is a growing disconnect between the development of agricultural technologies and their practical application in rural communities, due to the absence of trained personnel to interpret and disseminate these innovations to local farmers.
Arosanyin lamented the near extinction of agricultural extension services in the country, describing it as a significant challenge to increasing food production and achieving food security.
He stated that recruiting and training agriculture graduates as extension officers would go a long way in bridging this gap, as these professionals would play a key role in educating rural farmers on the use of improved seeds, appropriate planting periods, harvesting timelines, post-harvest handling, and the adoption of innovative tools and practices.
He emphasized that the relevance of technology in agriculture cannot be denied, but its benefits remain inaccessible to many smallholder farmers without the guidance of trained extension agents.
Arosanyin noted that the lack of extension support is a major reason many rural farmers still depend on traditional methods, which limit productivity and sustainability.
He stressed the importance of reintroducing and strengthening extension services, warning that continued neglect could worsen food insecurity and economic instability in rural areas.
In addition to deploying more extension officers, Arosanyin urged state and local governments to develop comprehensive subsidy programs to support farmers with access to high-quality inputs and modern equipment.
He noted that such interventions should complement federal initiatives aimed at supporting agricultural development across the country.
AFAN’s appeal highlights the pressing need to address human capital gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural system and ensure that knowledge-based practices reach farmers at the grassroots.
By emphasizing the recruitment of agriculture graduates, the association hopes to not only improve extension services but also create meaningful employment opportunities for young professionals in the field.
Arosanyin’s remarks reflect a broader concern within the sector regarding the lack of technical guidance for farmers and the resulting inefficiencies that hinder growth.
The call to action underscores the critical role of trained extension officers in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture and ensuring long-term rural development.
