On Saturday, July 13th, 2024, listeners of Crest FM 91.1 were treated to an enlightening episode of Eyi Ara, featuring Dr. Benjamin Oyelami, the Policy Communication Manager of the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF). Hosted by the dynamic duo Damilola Agbaje and Abayomi Oderemi, the program delved into the pressing issues surrounding agriculture and food security in Nigeria, providing a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.
Dr. Oyelami began by addressed the alarming rise in food and commodity prices, linking them to low production, climate change, farmers-herders crisis and rising cost of agricultural inputs. He explained how inflation and economic uncertainties are exacerbating the financial strain on Nigerian households. Moving on, he discussed the challenges facing government interventions in the agricultural sector. While acknowledging the importance of these efforts, Dr. Oyelami emphasized the need for a more strategic approach to policy implementation, considering the diverse and complex challenges that farmers encounter.
The conversation then shifted to the ongoing farmers-herders conflicts, with Dr. Oyelami highlighting the urgent need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms and better resource management strategies. He stressed that resolving these clashes is essential for ensuring harmony and productivity in rural areas. Dr. Oyelami advocated for adaptive measures to combat unpredictable weather patterns and extreme conditions that are adversely affecting crop yields and food security.
He didn’t stop at identifying problems; he offered practical solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience. He advocated for the implementation of irrigation systems and dams to mitigate the effects of irregular rainfall and ensure a consistent water supply for farming. Additionally, he advocated for urban agriculture and backyard farming as viable solutions to increase food production and improve food security at the household level. Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable practices and resist sharp practices that undermine agricultural progress, he emphasized patience and integrity in farming.
In conclusion, Dr. Oyelami called for the effective implementation of government plans, stressing the importance of translating policies into actionable and impactful initiatives. He highlighted the need for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to ensure these policies achieve their intended outcomes. For those who missed the live broadcast, the full interview is available on Crest FM 91.1’s Facebook channel
Stay tuned for more updates from PiLAF as we continue to address and tackle pressing issues in agriculture and food security.