Agriculture

Social Disorder: Expert outline Causes; Task Leaders

Published

5 years ago

May 25, 2021

An Agricultural expert Sir Sam Korie has outlined some of the social disorders facing the various communities in Nigeria and tasked the government to ensure that smallholder farmers are supported and provided with incentives to produce enough food for the populace.

Sir Korie who was a Guest of the May edition of the Ezumezu Isinweke Virtual Summit identified food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition, Poverty and unemployment, Poor health situations, burden of chronic disease restricted access to quality health care, lack of public transportation, poor infrastructure, low educational attainment, low health literacy, as some of the major factors.

He said that Agriculture plays a major role in tackling some of these challenges. “Asides from the known fact that if you do not eat adequately, you will suffer serious health issues. There is an increasing rate of child malnutrition in our communities. Children are no longer able to eat food in the right quantity and quality and the effect is the onset of nutrition-related diseases stunted growth and, in severe condition, kwashiorkor, beriberi and many others. Many of us would have been taller if we ate good food as children.

There is a correlation between malnutrition and child mental development. For children, the early formative years especially between 0 to 9 years of age are critical and if they are exposed to malnutrition, it will most likely lead to poor mental development. For a child to grow up smart, he/she needs good food.

For pregnant and nursing mothers who are malnourished, the impact is also on the children when they are born as they come out with low birth weight. A breastfeeding mother can only give quality breast milk if she eats right. Access to good food is the right of everyone” he emphasized.

The expert who is internationally renowned in Agriculture and Rural Development further revealed that the scourge of unemployment affects the youths the more, because of the neglects of the rural areas, leading to youths seeking greener pastures in major cities.

” The young men and women in our society are between the ages 18 to 35 years. The times are hard and difficult to get decent-paying jobs for these young people, and you know the saying about ‘’An idle hand is the devil’s workshop’’.

When young people are unable to get employed or decent wages, they either do any of these two things which are – to engage in criminal activities, or to migrate to bigger cities in search of opportunities that are difficult to come in this era. Our youths do not want to stay in the rural communities any longer as it does not appeal to their social needs. Why can’t agriculture be the solution to this problem of unemployment as it has been in many advanced countries?

If you take a census of the farmers in our communities, you will discover that over 70 percent of them are above 60 years of age. Our farmers are old and are less vibrant now compared to their youthful days especially with their reliance on crude tools and practices. Why are our young people no longer interested in agriculture?

When you ask a young man or woman to ascribe a word or phrase to agriculture, you will hear – stressful, drudgery, unattractive, dirty, time-wasting, poverty and many other negativities. In many modern societies today, they have or are changing the narrative to the opposite of these words. They have introduced what they call the value chain concept where agriculture does not stop on the farm alone, rather they have created opportunities in storage, processing, packaging, branding, marketing and distribution, and ultimately, the consumers’ consumption on the table”.

He challenged the government at various levels to ensure that the communities are as favourable and habitable compared to the outside urban communities by providing basic amenities such as water, electricity, basic and modern health care facilities, good housing, schools and even security. “If our villages have all these things, why would anyone want to leave to places like Lagos only to end up selling recharge cards” he concluded.

Ezumezu Isinweke is the Apex sociocultural association of Ihitte/Uboma people in Imo State.

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Agriculture

House Moves to Overhaul Livestock Sector, Investigate ₦498.7m Unpaid Poultry Farmers’ Compensation — Wale Raji

Published

2 weeks ago

November 13, 2025

The Gleamer

By Cyril Ogar

The House of Representatives Committee on Livestock Development has announced plans to overhaul Nigeria’s livestock sector and investigate the Federal Government’s failure to pay ₦498.7 million in compensation to 307 verified poultry farmers affected by bird flu outbreaks between 2021 and 2023..

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Wale Raji, disclosed this on Thursday during a public hearing on six livestock-related bills held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. The proposed bills seek to establish livestock colleges and research institutes across the country to promote animal production, veterinary education, and professional training.

Raji explained that the public hearing was convened to enable stakeholders to contribute ideas aimed at strengthening livestock development and resolving the challenges faced by farmers, particularly those impacted by avian influenza.

“This engagement provides stakeholders a platform to make meaningful input that will enhance productivity, create jobs, and promote sustainable livestock growth,” Raji stated.“However, we are deeply concerned about the delay in compensating affected poultry farmers, and we are determined to ensure transparency and accountability in the entire process.”

₦498.7 Million Still Outstanding

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, confirmed that ₦498.7 million remains unpaid to 307 poultry farmers whose flocks were destroyed during bird flu outbreaks between 2021 and 2023.

According to him, ₦3.16 billion had earlier been disbursed to 1,055 farmers affected by previous outbreaks, but the latest phase of payments was stalled due to funding shortfalls. He added that a recent outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the culling of over 2,000 birds, with compensation yet to be processed.

Adedoyin attributed the delay to inadequate budgetary provisions and the absence of an Animal Diseases Contingency or Emergency Fund (ADEF), explaining that no dedicated fund for animal disease response has existed since 2021.
“Most affected farmers also lack insurance coverage as required by law, further complicating the compensation process,” he said.

He noted that in 2022, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a revised compensation formula—50% from the Federal Government, 25% from the state, and 25% from farmers—restricting eligibility to smallholders with flocks under 3,000 birds.

Lawmakers Push Livestock Reform Agenda
Hon. Raji emphasized that the committee’s probe and reform efforts are in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), which seeks to modernize animal husbandry, enhance veterinary services, and improve productivity across the value chain.

“Our goal is to build a vibrant and sustainable livestock sector that contributes meaningfully to food security, employment generation, and economic diversification,” he said.“We will also work to ensure that farmers receive their compensation and that government creates an emergency response fund to prevent future delays.”

He assured that the committee will pursue full implementation of the hearing’s recommendations to strengthen policy, research, and training in the livestock industry.

Push for New Livestock Institutions
Among the bills under consideration is one sponsored by Hon. Bello Ka’oje (Kebbi State) seeking to establish the Federal College of Animal Husbandry, Ka’oje. The proposed college will serve as a centre for research, training, and innovation in livestock production.

Ka’oje said the institution would improve animal breeding, promote best practices in livestock care, and drive productivity and employment.
“This initiative aims to advance livestock development through professional training and innovation,” he stated.“It will help strengthen food security, create jobs, and raise the standard of animal production in Nigeria.”

He noted that Nigeria continues to trail behind countries such as Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia, ranking 94th in global milk production and 33rd in meat production as of 2022, despite its vast agricultural resources.

Commitment to Accountability and Growth

Hon. Wale Raji reaffirmed the House’s commitment to transparency and effective oversight in livestock management.

“We will ensure that every stakeholder in the livestock value chain benefits from government policies and programmes,” he said.“Our ultimate goal is to reposition the livestock industry as a key driver of national growth, rural development, and economic stability.”

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