The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo, has urged the Nigerian government to revitalize and strengthen the agricultural extension system to enable farmers to maximize opportunities for increased food production. He made the call during the first reunion anniversary of the 1986 set of the University of Ife School of Agriculture, now the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure. The event took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

Neglect of Genuine Farmers

In his lecture titled “Networking Through Alumni Association for Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Development,” Prof. Adebayo expressed concern over the marginalization of genuine farmers, stating that government support often bypasses those actively engaged in farming.

“Nigerian farmers have a comparative advantage that no other country can compete with, but the real farmers are taken for granted,” he lamented. Adebayo noted that many hardworking farmers are too preoccupied with their daily tasks to pursue government benefits.

“When opportunities arise, they are often misdirected to individuals who are not genuine farmers,” he added.

Need for Direct Interventions

Adebayo advocated for a more robust agricultural extension system where officers work directly with farmers instead of relying on bureaucratic processes.

“The extension system has been watered down. The government must strengthen it to achieve meaningful impact,” he said.

He criticized the reliance on imported rice to address food shortages, pointing out that supporting local farmers instead would boost the economy.

“When our leaders imported rice to address hunger, who grew that rice? If Nigerian farmers had been contracted to produce it, with proper extension support, they would have benefited, and the economy would have been strengthened,” Adebayo remarked.

Supporting Farmers at All Levels

Former Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Samson Odedina, a fellow alumnus of the college, echoed Prof. Adebayo’s sentiments. Odedina emphasized that support for farmers is critical for ensuring food security and boosting the economy.

“Support for farmers globally is non-negotiable. It is critical to ensuring food security and boosting the economy,” Odedina said.

He also encouraged young Nigerians to explore the profitability and potential of agriculture as a career, urging the government to consult seasoned agricultural experts rather than relying on superficial online information for policy development.

The Way Forward

The speakers highlighted key areas for government focus, including:

• Strengthening the agricultural extension system: Deploying officers directly to farms to provide technical assistance and guidance.
• Targeted government support: Ensuring benefits reach genuine farmers actively involved in food production.
• Investing in local agriculture: Contracting Nigerian farmers for large-scale production to reduce reliance on imports and support the economy.
• Engaging experts: Involving experienced agricultural professionals in policymaking and program design to achieve effective results.

Conclusion

Both Prof. Adebayo and Dr. Odedina underscored the transformative potential of a robust agricultural sector, driven by direct interventions and expert guidance. They called on the government to prioritize agricultural reforms that empower farmers, boost local production, and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.