Chris Infotainment

The Critical Need for Agricultural Extension in Nigeria The 2025 National Agricultural Extension Review and Planning Meeting (NAERPM) has brought to light a pressing issue in Nigeria's agricultural sector: the extremely low ratio of agricultural extension workers to farm families. This ratio is currently estimated at 1:6,466, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of extension services across the country. Experts attending the meeting emphasized that this gap significantly hinders the delivery of efficient agricultural support, which in turn affects productivity and leads to poor crop yields. The meeting, themed 'Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agricultural Extension in Nigeria: Addressing Climate Change, Digital Gaps and Gender Equity,' was organized by the National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NAERLS) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A communiqué signed by Dr. Habib N. Abubakar of the National Centre for Research on Industrial Crops (NCR...

Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) Transforms Agriculture and Livelihoods The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), designed to promote inclusive economic growth, especially among women and youth, has significantly boosted productivity, mechanisation, and income among smallholder farmers in the state. The initiative aims to transform smallholder farming into a viable enterprise by strengthening commodity value chains to tackle rural poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment. Five years after its launch, many farmers in Kano State say they are witnessing unprecedented improvements in yield and agricultural modernisation. This transformation is attributed to the project's comprehensive approach, which includes training, equipment distribution, and infrastructure development. Training and Support for Farmers Aminu Ibrahim Rimin Gado, an agricultural extension worker in Gwarzo Local Government Area, said KSADP has repositioned Kano as the state wi...

Key Developments in Agricultural Finance and Policy The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has taken a significant step towards enhancing agricultural finance in Cross River State. The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, recently met with the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, to explore the development of a subnational non-ISPO de-risking mechanism. This initiative aims to expand access to agricultural finance within the state. The NADF delegation was accompanied by its technical partners, Propcom+, led by Country Director Adiya Ode. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable agricultural growth. Governor's Support and Technical Committee Formation Governor Otu welcomed the initiative and directed the State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to establish a technical committee. This committee will work alongside NADF and Propcom+ to review and adapt the de-risking framework. The goal is to ensure tha...

Government Reaffirms Commitment to School Feeding Programme The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to repositioning the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) as a key driver for improving nutrition, education, local agriculture, and inclusive economic growth across Nigeria. This commitment was highlighted during a high-level policy forum focused on the institutionalization and implementation of the programme. Key Stakeholders Gather for Policy Forum The National Policy Forum on the Institutionalisation and Implementation of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, private sector actors, and members of smallholder farmer associations. Organized by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Financial...