Segun Alabi Warns: 35 Million Nigerians Face Hunger Without Farm Extension Workers

Development specialist Segun Alabi has issued a warning regarding the severe risk of food shortages in Nigeria should the neglect of farm extension services continue. He emphasized that without proper technical assistance for farmers, millions may experience hunger.

In a recent interview with Arise News, Alabi elaborated on the crucial role that farm extension workers play in boosting agricultural output, particularly for smallholder farmers who represent the majority of food producers in Nigeria.

Alabi pointed out that extension workers act as a vital link between agricultural research, government policies, and farmers operating at the grassroots level. They facilitate the adoption of advanced farming techniques, modern agricultural inputs, and climate-smart practices among farmers.

"When you eliminate extension workers from the agricultural framework, you are essentially neglecting the needs of the farmer," Alabi stated.

He warned that this neglect leads to diminished crop yields, escalated food prices, and a food crisis that impacts millions.

Alabi highlighted that the repercussions of inadequate extension services extend beyond farmers, ultimately affecting consumers through increased food prices and scarcity.

He further stressed that poor guidance on pest management, soil health, and improved seeds contributes to decreased productivity in numerous farming communities.

Segun Alabi added that many government agricultural initiatives have fallen short due to insufficient funding or prioritization of extension services. "It is unrealistic to expect successful agricultural outcomes from policies formulated in Abuja without professionals on-site translating these policies for farmers," he asserted.

He mentioned that Nigeria's current ratio of extension workers to farmers is alarming, rendering effective outreach nearly impossible. In many rural areas, farmers can go entire planting seasons without encountering a single extension officer.

"In certain states, one extension worker is tasked with supporting thousands of farmers," he said. "This is not an extension service; it amounts to abandonment. Under such circumstances, no system can ensure food security."

Alabi cautioned that the ongoing situation presents a long-term threat to national stability. He pointed out that food insecurity often exacerbates poverty, drives rural-to-urban migration, and ignites social unrest. Ignoring extension services today could lead to more severe economic and security challenges in the future.

"When individuals cannot provide for their families, they turn to desperation," Alabi concluded. "Food insecurity transcends mere agricultural concerns; it poses a national security crisis."

He called on both federal and state governments to take urgent measures to recruit, train, and assign more farm extension workers, underscoring that sustainable food security relies on ongoing support for grassroots farmers. "For us to effectively tackle hunger, extension services must be regarded as a national priority rather than an afterthought," Alabi emphasized.