The Adamawa State government in northeastern Nigeria has pledged a ₦2 billion investment in agricultural inputs to support the 2025 farming season. This initiative aims to tackle food insecurity and youth unemployment, while revitalising the region’s agricultural sector.
Prof. David Jatau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed the plan in an interview with journalists in Yola, the state capital. He explained that the initiative will provide subsidised farming inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides across all 21 local government areas (LGAs) in the state, with a particular emphasis on involving young people in farming.
A key element of the programme involves the development of 300 hectares of farmland in each LGA, to be allocated to 300 young farmers. These beneficiaries will maintain full ownership of their harvests, receiving inputs at reduced costs, thereby promoting self-reliance and enhancing household incomes.
Jatau also revealed that over 10,000 bags of fertiliser are already available for immediate distribution. The programme has begun in six LGAs and will expand statewide by the next rainy season. He stressed the connection between food insecurity and regional instability, attributing much of the violence in the area to hunger and economic disempowerment. “All the violence we are experiencing is a result of hunger; many young people are willing to farm but lack the capital—this is where the government is stepping in,” he said.
In addition to providing inputs, the programme includes training in climate-smart agricultural techniques, such as soil testing, texture identification, and proper fertiliser application methods to boost crop yields and sustainability. The initiative is supported by international and regional development organisations, including the North East Development Commission (NEDC), which has provided mechanised farming tools, and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which is working to enhance community-level agricultural productivity.
In the face of rising global food prices and climate-related challenges, Adamawa’s integrated agricultural approach offers a promising model for transformation in vulnerable regions.
