On Wednesday, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) introduced a new digital identity card alongside a comprehensive database system aimed at enhancing the registration process and accurately documenting farmers across the country.
In addition, AFAN launched an advisory board designed to advocate for farmers’ interests and facilitate effective communication with government bodies.
Dr. Farouk Rabiu-Mudi, AFAN’s national president, emphasized that this digital platform would serve as a vital tool for farmers to address challenges related to agricultural practices and food production.
“Farmers in Nigeria have long faced numerous hardships. It is crucial that we unite through our commodity groups to present a collective and powerful voice,” he stated.
“Although farmers make up nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, their voices remain largely unheard, and their data has not been systematically recorded,” he added.
Dr. Rabiu-Mudi further explained that the advisory board is composed of seasoned professionals from various industries and large enterprises, who will bolster AFAN’s mission and elevate the concerns of farmers.
He also revealed that AFAN has established a dedicated farmers’ database and a helpline service to support members and promptly address their grievances.
“Through this helpline, farmers from any region can report their issues, which will then be directed to the appropriate authorities for swift resolution,” he noted.
The digital ID card, according to Rabiu-Mudi, will verify farmers’ membership status and ensure that control over their data remains with the respective commodity associations.
“For instance, if an organization intends to provide assistance to maize farmers, the support must be coordinated through the commodity association president, who will authenticate the beneficiaries before releasing any data,” he explained.
Adeyemo Ayooluwa, head of operations at Grotechnologies and the project consultant, highlighted that the platform would facilitate farmers’ access to loans and other financial services from the Bank of Agriculture.
He also mentioned that AFAN has deployed field agents across various states to help even those with limited literacy skills to register in the database.
Meanwhile, Sunday Obiora, national president of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, acknowledged that certain government policies have successfully lowered the costs of feed, frozen chicken, and eggs.
However, he cautioned that policies related to rice and food imports might undermine local agricultural production, potentially leading to financial setbacks for farmers.
