ABUJA – The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is launching a project called “Renewed Hope Restoration” to support Nigerian farmers displaced by farmer-herder clashes, land encroachment, and other security challenges. NALDA’s Executive Secretary Cornelius Adebayo announced the initiative in Abuja, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to bolstering national food security and fostering economic recovery for affected communities.
Acknowledging that over 3.5 million farmers have been displaced nationwide, NALDA plans to cluster these individuals into designated “Renewed Hope Farm Settlements.” This approach aims to provide a secure and supportive environment where farmers will receive agricultural inputs, modern technologies, and training. By consolidating farmers, NALDA intends to streamline security, reduce logistical hurdles, and enhance monitoring of agricultural activities.
Adebayo stated that NALDA’s role is to create an environment for agriculture to flourish as a profitable enterprise, rather than engaging directly in cultivation. The “Renewed Hope Restoration” project is designed to empower displaced individuals to thrive and contribute to a more resilient national food system, potentially lowering production costs for participating farmers.
Beyond supporting displaced farmers, NALDA is also pursuing other projects to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, including initiatives focused on boosting food and aquaculture production through greenhouse farming and the “Aqua Hope” initiative. Recognizing Nigeria’s deficit in fish supply, NALDA is prioritizing aquaculture development, particularly in states with limited arable land. The agency plans to establish fish clusters equipped with ponds, cage farms, processing centers, and cold storage, aiming to empower women and youth, reduce reliance on fish imports, and potentially position Nigeria as a fish exporter.
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Whether these initiatives will significantly improve the livelihoods of displaced farmers and contribute to national food self-sufficiency remains to be seen. However, the “Renewed Hope Restoration” project represents a significant effort to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
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