FG urges demand-driven extension services to boost farm productivity

The Federal Government is advocating for a demand-driven approach to agricultural extension services to enhance farm productivity and improve the lives of farmers in Nigeria and across Africa. Speaking at the Africa Agribusiness Extension Summit, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stressed the need for a shift from supply-driven to demand-driven extension services.

The minister emphasized that understanding farmers' specific needs and market requirements is crucial for developing effective extension infrastructure. Kyari also highlighted the importance of verified, certified, and accessible extension agents to help farmers access accurate and reliable information. He stressed that extension services cannot be developed without a functional market for agricultural produce, particularly for export commodities.

The minister encouraged farmers to consider market requirements, including price fluctuations, before investing in production. Traceability was identified as a key requirement for accessing agricultural markets. Kyari called for a sustainable agricultural advisory infrastructure that caters to the diverse agroecological zones in Nigeria.