Future Females Invest (FFI) took part in a virtual committee meeting on Empowering Nigerian Farmers with AUDA NEPAD, NEPAD NIGERIA, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, 30th of September 2020. Representatives from FFI attendees include Ms. Ada Agbaza and Mr. Bayo Jide. Some government officials present at the virtual committee meeting were CEO NEPAD Nigeria Ms. Princess Gloria Akobundu, Governor Ahmadu Umani Fintiri of Adamawa state and Governor Engineer Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.
Princess Gloria Akobundu; National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)
There have been many reports on the need to diversify the Nigerian economy and be less dependent on oil production for the growth of the nation. Agriculture is a key underdeveloped sector of the economy with a great opportunity for growth.
Nigeria is a country known for its agricultural produce, which can be divided into two main groups: food crops produced for home consumption, and export produce, cocoa is the leading non-oil foreign exchange earner, growth in the sector has been slow since the abolition of the Nigerian Cocoa Board.
Governor Ahmadu Umani Fintiri
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world economy and Nigeria is not immune to this, its impact can be seen in food price rises. Also, during this pandemic, there has been poor agricultural produce, poor labour supply, and the shortage of essential food supply. It is important to note that the agricultural sector is mostly populated by small family farmers.
Governor Engineer Abdullahi Sule
The agricultural ecosystem has to be invested in by the Government of Nigeria and the States to avert the price hikes and improve farming practices and increase productivity. FFI is working to support the strong leadership of the committee to achieve its goals set by the Nigerian Government, AUDA NEPAD, and NEPAD Nigeria on empowering small-scale farmers in Nigeria.
