Agricultural experts and key players in the agro-allied sector have raised urgent concerns over a potential food crisis in Nigeria, following severe flooding that has devastated farmlands in the northern region of the country. The experts warn that the situation could worsen unless immediate and substantial measures are taken.
The floods have heavily impacted ten states namely Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kebbi, due to intense rainfall. This has led to significant damage to crops and agricultural infrastructure.
Bello Yakazsi, an agricultural investor based in Toro LGA, Bauchi State, has called for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the agricultural sector. “The current flooding in the North is critical, and it is high time for the Federal Government to take decisive action by declaring an agricultural emergency,” Yakazsi stated.
In Kano State, concerns are mounting among farmers in 14 local government areas at high risk of flooding. With rainfall continuing across all 44 local government areas, local farmers are expressing anxiety and praying for relief from further flooding.
Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, reported that floods have destroyed over 2,744 hectares of farmland in the state. Twelve local government areas, including Buji, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, and others, have been severely affected.
Notably, the floods have also ravaged the farmland of Amb. Lucky Yargwa, a former Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, in Farin Ruwa Development Area, Wamba LGA. The flood destroyed crops worth millions of naira on his five-hectare farm.
They are now calling for urgent need from coordinated emergency response and support for affected farmers to mitigate the risk of a full-blown food crisis in the country.