The Federal Government has allocated N132 billion to help farmers in 2025 through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). This initiative aims to tackle issues like poverty, low farm output, and lack of resources that slow down farming progress.
The NADF was created by a law signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022. It offers financial help and carries out farming policies. It focuses on crop production, livestock, fisheries, poultry, and agroforestry while prioritizing food security.
The N132 billion budget will help farmers get better seeds, fertilisers, water for crops, and chances to sell their products. Small farmers, who are more than 80% of Nigeria’s farming workers, face problems like not being able to get loans, not having secure land, and dealing with climate change.
Experts say it’s important to be clear and transparent about fund disbursement. Unekwuojo Onuche, an associate professor at the University of Africa in Bayelsa State, warned against misallocation and stressed timely intervention.
Joseph Deborah, an agricultural economist at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, said that corruption often stops small farmers from getting the benefits. She recommended direct farmer registration to prevent fund diversion.
While the move has the wherewithal for success, its effectiveness is hinged on very tight regulation and equitable distribution to guarantee the survival of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
