FG SEEKS FARMER-FOCUSED AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SYSTEM

The Federal Government has called for a shift to a demand-driven agricultural extension system that provides farmers with information based on their specific needs and market requirements.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, made the call at the Africa Agribusiness Extension Summit, where stakeholders discussed ways to develop sustainable agricultural advisory systems across the continent.

Abdullahi said agricultural extension services should begin by understanding farmers’ needs and the markets for their products rather than simply supplying general information.

He said the proposed approach would make extension services more relevant to farmers and help them make better production and marketing decisions.

The minister also stressed the importance of building reliable extension infrastructure that can connect farmers with verified information and technical support.

A demand-driven system could help address gaps in access to agricultural knowledge, particularly for farmers who need information on production techniques, inputs, markets and emerging challenges.

The government’s position comes amid efforts to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and support farmers across Nigeria.

Stakeholders at the summit also discussed the need for sustainable agricultural advisory infrastructure that can respond to changing market conditions.

The Federal Government said improving extension services would form part of broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and make support more responsive to farmers’ actual needs.