Business
Practical Approach Needed To Dev Agric In Nigeria – AFAN
All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Coordinator in Auchi, Edo, Alhaji Abdulahi Mohammed, is advocating a practical approach to agriculture development in the country as the only way to revamp the sector.
Abdulahi, in an interview with newsmen in Auchi on Sunday, condemned the attitude of states and local governments in the country towards agriculture.
“What they do only amounts to lip service. Some of the policies being introduced by the Federal Government to boost the sector are bound to fail, even before implementation, unless pragmatic measures are taken.
“Specifically, the Growth Enhancement Support Service, one of the new initiatives, is too cumbersome and confusing to the real farmers, who are mostly illiterate.”
Abdulahi stated that about 60 per cent of “real” farmers in Edo would be denied access to farm inputs and implements because they had no idea of the processes under the scheme.
Besides, he said, the processes required completion of many forms and submission of documents, noting that most farmers in the state could not contend with such demands on them.
The coordinator said that farmers perceived the difficult processes as a ploy by the government to deny certain category of people among them access to available credits and materials.
“Most farmers refused to register as they termed the scheme another government gimmick. They are tired of filling forms and not getting anything at the end.
“Even, the forms of most farmers who managed to register were returned as not properly completed and this is because most of them are illiterate, who do not know the difference between acres and hectares.’’
Abdullahi, therefore, urged the government to adopt a practical approach to the development of the agriculture sector.
According to him, governments in the country should deploy an agriculture expert to every ward in each local government across the country as supervisor for all agricultural programmes in that area.
“The supervisor will monitor all farmers in his ward and by so doing, be abreast with their needs and problems. Anything government needs to get across to the farmers will be through the supervisor.”
The facility will be disbursed through participating Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which will in turn extend the loans to their customers, particularly SMEs, as they directly interface with businesses at the grassroots level.
The Executive Director of COMCIN, Mr. Micheal Ogbaa who represented the Chairman, Dr. Iredele Oyedele (FCA, FCCA), said the initiative is designed to strengthen micro-lending institutions and expand access to finance for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths in the informal sector.
Ogbaa explained that COMCIN does not lend directly to individuals but works through its network of microfinance and cooperative institutions, which in turn provide loans to end users.
“We came together to advocate for the microfinance ecosystem. Commercial banks often exclude people at the grassroots, but our members are positioned to reach them. This facility will empower them to do more,” he said.
He noted that the loan scheme offers low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making it more accessible to small business owners.
According to him, about 90 percent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, who play a key role in sustaining families and driving economic activities at the local level.
“Our focus is on traders, service providers, and players in the informal sector. These are the real movers of the economy. By supporting them, we are strengthening families and contributing to national development,” he added.
Ogbaa disclosed that eligible SMEs with proven integrity and business track records could access up to N5 million each through participating micro-lending institutions. The rollout has commenced in Lagos and will extend to Abuja, Enugu, and other regions, including the South-West, South-East, and North-East.
He said 12 micro-lending institutions have already benefited from the scheme, while 85 applications are currently being processed under the pilot phase.
“Our target is to reach at least 100,000 SMEs nationwide. We are building a platform that connects funding partners with credible micro-lending institutions, creating a reliable channel for financial inclusion,” Ogbaa said.
He added that COMCIN is also working to attract larger funding pools from development finance institutions and private investors, noting that successful implementation of the pilot phase would boost confidence and unlock more capital for SMEs.
“We have seen encouraging testimonies from early beneficiaries. As we demonstrate transparency and efficiency, more institutions will be willing to channel funds through us,” he said.
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