NIGERIA – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has started providing agricultural inputs to 49,000 farmers in Northeast Nigeria as part of efforts to address a growing food crisis projected for 2025.
During the launch event in Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa State, FAO Emergency Programme Specialist Coordinator Luc Leger Manga outlined the challenges prompting the intervention.
He cited climate change, flooding, inflation, and the increasing cost of agricultural inputs and food as factors worsening food insecurity in the country.
According to a recent Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis presented in Abuja on November 1, 2024, over 25 million Nigerians are currently facing food insecurity.
Projections suggest that this number could rise to 33.1 million between June and August 2025.
“This initiative is part of FAO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience in Northeast Nigeria,” Manga said, emphasizing that the program targets households affected by conflict, economic difficulties, and climate-related shocks.
In Adamawa State, the program aims to assist 9,800 households across Girei, Madagali, Mayo Belwa, Mubi North, Numan, and Song local government areas.
The support includes the distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and solar-powered water pumps to aid dry-season farming and improve food production.
Each household will receive either 10 kilograms of maize seeds, 12.5 kilograms of rice seeds, or vegetable seeds, along with 25 kilograms of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer.
Water pumps will also be distributed to farmer groups for irrigation purposes, particularly in areas affected by floods and displacement.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his adviser on food security, Dishi Kube, applauded the FAO’s initiative and urged beneficiaries to use the resources appropriately.
He warned against the sale or misuse of the items and announced plans for monitoring to ensure proper use.
The program, carried out in partnership with the Adamawa State Government and other stakeholders, is part of ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity and support sustainable agriculture in the region.
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