By; AHMED AMSHI, Damaturu
In a strategic move to enhance food security and bolster the agricultural sector, Yobe State has embarked on a transformative initiative under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Recognizing the urgent need to shift from traditional subsistence farming to a more modern and commercially viable system, the state government has recently purchased a range of farm implements to support local farmers across 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Yobe State, with its substantial landmass of 47,153 square kilometers, of which 70 percent is arable land, holds immense agricultural potential. The state’s commitment to agricultural development is evident in its employment of approximately 245,478 individuals in the sector, representing 26.6 per cent of the labor force. With a diverse resource base encompassing farming, fishing, and livestock rearing, Yobe stands as one of the most agriculturally rich regions in northeastern Nigeria.
Despite this potential, a significant portion of the state’s population, predominantly residing in rural areas, engages in labor-intensive subsistence farming using traditional methods. This has led to low productivity and food insecurity, affecting 8.8 percent of households, as reported by the World Food Programme in 2017.
Governor Buni’s administration has identified key factors contributing to food insecurity in Yobe, including limited financial resources for agricultural inputs, challenges in accessing credit facilities, and disruptions caused by the Boko Haram insurgency. Climate change and natural disasters further compound these challenges, restricting agricultural activities.
To address these issues, the Yobe State Government has developed a strategic policy framework aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector, with the Ministry of Agriculture spearheading the implementation of policies to enhance production, processing, and distribution through modern technologies and infrastructure.
In line with the state’s strategic policy direction, Governor Buni emphasizes the transition of farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture to revitalize the sector. As part of a comprehensive agricultural empowerment initiative, Yobe State has procured a variety of farm implements, including tractors, ploughs, fertilizers, planters, harvesters, motorcycles for extension officers, vehicles for program offices, and various other equipment to support local farmers and boost agricultural productivity.
The procurement also includes thousands of bags of seeds, hand push plough machines, solar-powered water pumps, rakes, harrows, cultivators, and pesticides. These investments signify Yobe State’s commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape and fostering sustainable development in the sector.
Governor Buni’s Agricultural Transformation initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing agriculture, enhancing food security, and driving economic growth in Yobe State. Through strategic investments and policy reforms, the state is poised to revolutionize its agricultural sector and create a more prosperous future
