By Barbara Nwaiwu
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, has called for greater participation of farmers and their representative associations in government programmes linked to agriculture, food production and community development.
The chairperson of the association, Ganiyat Kusimo, made the call while speaking with journalists on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Kusimo commended the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for its efforts in agricultural development, food security, community development and social intervention programmes, but expressed concern over what she described as inadequate involvement of farmers and their representative associations in some government initiatives.
She said farmers should be actively involved in programmes relating to agriculture, food production, food security, community development and rural empowerment.
“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 referred to project inaugurations and related activities chaired by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly those connected with food distribution, community health and community development.
She also cited the recent launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Ogun by the First Lady as an initiative where farmers should have been adequately represented.
The AFAN chairperson said such programmes were closely linked to agriculture and food production, stressing that farmers should not be treated as mere spectators.
She said greater farmer participation would help the government achieve more impact and ensure that interventions reached people directly involved in food production.
Kusimo also raised concerns about inadequate logistical arrangements for farmers attending official government programmes.
“Many farmers operate in rural communities and have limited resources to cover transportation and other 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.
She said farmers should be regarded as strategic partners of government rather than simply beneficiaries of agricultural programmes.
According to Kusimo, farmers’ voices, experience and participation were essential to the success of the state’s food security agenda.
She reaffirmed AFAN’s commitment to working with the Ogun State Government and other stakeholders towards sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development.
Kusimo also advocated increased youth participation in agribusiness and improved livelihoods for farmers across the state.
She appreciated the administration’s efforts and urged it to ensure that no farmer was left behind in programmes aimed at strengthening the food system.
