The Adamawa State government in northeastern Nigeria has announced a N2 billion investment in agricultural inputs ahead of the 2025 farming season.
The move is to address food insecurity and youth unemployment in the State.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. David Jatau, who revealed the plan in an interview with newsmen in Yola, the state capital, stated that the initiative is designed to revitalise the region’s agricultural sector while empowering thousands of young people through access to subsidised farming inputs.
The programme, part of the state’s broader agricultural intervention efforts, will distribute fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides across all 21 local government areas (LGAs), with a special focus on engaging youth in productive farming.
“A core aspect of this intervention is the development of 300 hectares of farmland in each local government area to be allocated to 300 young farmers,” Jatau said.
According to him, beneficiaries will retain full ownership of their harvests while receiving inputs at reduced costs—an approach aimed at fostering self-reliance and boosting household incomes.
The commissioner noted that over 10,000 bags of fertilizers are already available for immediate distribution, and the programme, which has commenced in six LGAs, will be expanded statewide by the next rainy season.
Jatau emphasised the link between food insecurity and regional instability, highlighting how economic disempowerment among youth fuels unrest.
“All the violence we are experiencing is a result of hunger; many young people are willing to farm but lack the capital—this is where the government is stepping in.” He said.
Beyond input distribution, the programme incorporates training in climate-smart agriculture, including soil testing, texture identification, and fertilizer application techniques to improve crop yields and sustainability.
The effort also benefits from partnerships with international and regional development bodies.
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has donated mechanised farming tools such as hand-held harvesters and planters, which will be distributed to organised cooperatives.
In addition, collaboration with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) aims to strengthen community-level agricultural productivity.
As nations around the world grapple with rising food prices and climate-related farming challenges, Adamawa’s integrated approach serves as a model for grassroots agricultural transformation in vulnerable regions.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
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