Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, highlighting insecurity and climate change as the most significant threats to its viability.
Speaking at the 27th annual convention of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Alumni Association, Olawepo-Hashim emphasized the devastating impact of these challenges. Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), he revealed that over half a million farmers have been displaced between 2022 and 2024, resulting in staggering losses exceeding two trillion naira.
“The Middle Belt region, in particular, has witnessed a dramatic decline in farming activities, with production of key crops like maize and yam plummeting by over 70 percent,” he lamented.
Olawepo-Hashim further underscored the critical role of infrastructure in hindering agricultural productivity. “Poor infrastructure, particularly inadequate road networks, significantly hampers the timely delivery of farm produce to markets,” he stated. “The African Development Bank (AFDB) estimates that post-harvest losses in Nigeria exceed $9 billion annually, largely attributed to inefficiencies in transportation and storage.”
Beyond these immediate challenges, Olawepo-Hashim emphasized the potential of alumni associations in driving agricultural development. He highlighted successful examples, such as the University of Ibadan Alumni, who established a ₦1 billion mechanized farm, and the Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Agro-Initiative, which invested ₦2 billion in a cassava processing hub in Kaduna.
“Alumni associations possess the potential to significantly contribute to national development through funding, innovation, and strategic investments,” he asserted. “With over five million members collectively, these associations represent a powerful force for positive change within the agricultural sector.”
Olawepo-Hashim’s address served as a stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Addressing these challenges effectively, he emphasized, requires a multi-pronged approach, encompassing enhanced security measures, climate change mitigation strategies, and significant investments in infrastructure and technology.
The role of alumni associations in supporting innovation and driving sustainable agricultural practices was also highlighted as crucial in ensuring the sector’s future viability.
