Africa has to do more to make agriculture worth the while, argues 

AYUB O. MOHAMMED

Considering the existing cultures and heritages, Africa is the richest continent in the world beyond monetary value. Nigeria is at the forefront.It is a land of many resources. Amongst these gifts possessed by Nigeria and other neighboring countries are arable land, crude oil, limestone, etc. Efficient use of these materials can quicken economic stability and subsistence. Essentially, nourished and healthy intake of food is vital to the growth of all.

Nonetheless, agriculture is not limited to consumption. It cuts across various economical divisions: a source of revenue generation, occupation, a means to improving livelihood of the majority and other opportunities. For example, the Nigerian government informed the public that it will generate an estimate of N1.25 trillion ($803million) from wheat production in the year 2025. This ambitious goal is fostered by initiatives made to bolster food security by providing subsidized agricultural inputs to farmers across the nation while signaling that the sector can be beneficial in the international stage. However, are you aware that the happenings in the agricultural sector in relation to feeding, and the cost of its production in Africa are not too pleasant? This occurs as a result of certain impediments causing the low produce of agricultural extracts. Some of these issues are, foremost, the transportation system as a means of mobilizing farmers to their farms. After harvest, farmers encounter difficulties in conveying themselves and their produce from the field to the market. This trait constitutes itself as an obstacle in getting the crop proceeds to the populace timeously. Also, navigating roads to these farmlands particularly in Nigeria is difficult. The roads are neither motorable nor secure. Due to this farmers are frustrated. The presence of bad roads, banditry and the hike in cost of petrol are all troubling. Commercial drivers inflate fare prices at will which affects the bottom lines of these farmers. Secondly, fertilizers are gotten at exorbitant rates and access to it for cultivation is inconsistent. This poses a challenge to having a timely harvest.

 The President of FEPSAN, Abubakar Kassim, explained that the major reason for the increase of fertilizer is lack of implementation of the Fertilizer Control Act of 2019 which regulates the cost and administration of fertilizers in the country. In any case, I strongly believe that it is necessary to have alternative sources that will facilitate the growth and greenness of farm plants. Relatively, the desert still has memory of water. Therefore, it is intrinsic to not forget the pivotal role manure plays in the production of farm produce. Manure popularly known as “cow dumps” is a traditional method engaged by farmers to augment fertilizers. Usually, dumps are used in rural areas because of its availability. Irrespective, efforts can be made in getting it across urban regions in other to utilize its value.

Also, the use of manure remains crucial  because it is an added advantage and cost-effective. Additionally, cows are valuable for other domestic use such as livestock and milking.In some parts of West Africa, the decoction from this animal is known as ‘wara’ and can be likened to milk. It is a nutritious and proteinous. Apparently, inadequate produce of crops will affect the production of feed. As such, I suggest that this area is looked into forthwith as it would assist sustenance in husbandry and smoothen its rough edges accordingly.

Furthermore, the special impacts of farmers need be pointed out. African farmers are not UFO’s. They are aware of the goings-on in the land but without fail, an average man tends to intentionally and systematically resort to mediums to exploit another. For instance, Oyo, Benue, Cross River and others are the most important States in the production of cassava flour commonly called “garri”. Garri is locally made and free from any form of importation. Unfortunately, it finds itself competing with shipped-in commodities. In consideration to that, I suggest that an enforceable price-control regulation be made to checkmate the practice.

Importantly, solving agrarian poverty through mechanization and industrialization is key. German machines such as bulldozers, graders, trucks, etc., are meant to ease man-labour through ploughing even though not financially friendly. However, countries like Kenya and Ethiopia are seen to develop interest in making these machines available particularly for small holder farmers.

Conclusively, agri-business is a prospective avenue to generate income for the benefit of all.  Funds, policies are vital to this. These policies will serve as a public assistance scheme that will positively operate for the advantage of Africans and other nations across the globe.

 Ayub O. Mohammed, olamideayyub@gmail.com

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