Food Scarcity Worsens: AFAN President Cites Insecurity, Transportation Costs as Major Factors

The President of the Oyo State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Abass Adewumi, has attributed the ongoing food scarcity in the country to the dual challenges of insecurity and the escalating cost of transportation.

Speaking during a radio program in Ibadan, Oyo State, Adewumi highlighted the alarming impact of insecurity on the agricultural sector. He revealed that numerous farmers have been forced to abandon their farmlands due to the persistent threats of kidnapping and violence, which have become increasingly prevalent in rural areas. The resulting disruption in farming activities has significantly reduced food production, contributing to the scarcity being felt across the nation.

Adewumi emphasized the urgent need for the government to step in and provide the necessary support to safeguard the lives of farmers and ensure the security of their produce. He called for more robust measures to protect agricultural communities, stressing that without such interventions, the food crisis in the country could worsen.

In addition to addressing the issue of insecurity, Adewumi pointed out that the high cost of transportation is another critical factor driving up food prices. With rising fuel costs and deteriorating road conditions, the expense of transporting goods from farms to markets has skyrocketed, further exacerbating food scarcity.

Looking to the future, Adewumi urged Nigerian youths to take up farming as a viable career path. He argued that encouraging youth participation in agriculture is essential to addressing food scarcity, as a larger, more dynamic farming population would increase food production and reduce the nation’s dependence on imported goods. He concluded by reiterating that with proper support and protection, farming could become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic recovery and food security strategy.