The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Ogun State Chapter has called on the Ogun State Government to provide greater recognition, inclusion and proper logistical support for farmers in the state’s agricultural programmes and activities.
The Chairperson of AFAN Ogun State Chapter, Alhaja Ganiyat Ibilola Adeoye Kusimo, made the demand in a statement, expressing concern over the insufficient involvement and recognition of farmers and their representative associations in government programmes and official functions, especially programmes that directly concern agriculture, food production, food security and rural communities.
The association said farmers are the nexus of the food system and should have full engagement in the planning, participation and implementation stages of government programmes involving food distribution, community health, food security, agricultural development, rural empowerment and other interventions affecting food production.
AFAN Ogun State Chapter cited the recent commissioning of food distribution projects in Ogun State by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, and asked that farmers should not be treated merely as spectators in such programmes.
The farmers said their participation can help government achieve greater impact and ensure that interventions reach the people directly involved in producing food for the communities.
Another major concern raised by the association is logistical support for farmers attending official government programmes. It said that on several occasions, farmers are invited or expected to participate in State Government activities, but without adequate arrangements made to facilitate their attendance.
According to AFAN, many farmers operate in rural communities and have limited resources to cover transportation and other expenses associated with attending official programmes.
The association appealed to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, CON, to look into the situation and establish a more coordinated mechanism through which recognised farmers’ associations, including AFAN Ogun State Chapter, can be adequately informed, represented and supported whenever government programmes have direct or indirect implications for agriculture and food systems.
AFAN said it believes that farmers should be regarded as strategic partners of government, not simply beneficiaries of agricultural programmes, adding that their voices, experience and participation are essential to the success of the State’s food-security agenda.
AFAN Ogun State Chapter stated that it remains committed to working constructively with the Ogun State Government and all relevant stakeholders toward achieving sustainable agriculture, food security, rural development, youth participation in agribusiness and improved livelihoods for farmers across the State.
It also appreciated the efforts of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in promoting agricultural development, food security, community development and social intervention programmes across Ogun State.
The association, however, requested that their concerns receive the necessary attention so that no farmer is left behind in programmes designed to strengthen the food system.
