AKWA IBOM STRATEGY IN AGRICULTURE
Working the talk, like the Americans would say, has been the problem of various governments in modern democracies. The result? Perennial underdevelopment and social disharmony! However, in Nigeria, a breeze of fresh air seems to be blowing from a state deep down south.
Ever before the Federal Government declared agriculture as 'purely business,' this state had dubbed it 'top priority.' Recently, at the inaugural executive council since his second term journey, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, led the team towards what experts tagged 'another positive revolution.' After exhaustive deliberations on the potentials and invaluable merits of agriculture to an economy, approval was given for the release of N1 billion for agro-entrepreneurial development programme. The aim is to create unimaginable number of jobs as well as ensure food security. That was landmark!
Ever since that decision, there have been a flurry of reactions. While some people say it should have come earlier, others argue that it is timely and commendable. Indeed, major players in the polity and the agro industry have rated it as unprecedented in the annals of governments in addressing issues of food insecurity. A few weeks later, the FG followed with its plan to inject N300 billion for farmers in the next four years. Akwa Ibom gave the lead! Without doubt, it is noted that from all parts of the world, there are bitter hues and cries following the biting pangs of hunger, stagnation, unemployment and unhealthy living. In reality, there are fears about tomorrow. Families are not certain about means of livelihood as factories keep closing shops.
Public sector institutions periodically swell the labour market through frequent down sizing, right sizing, premature retirements, etc. Thus, families have been confronted with the inability of putting three square meals on their tables. The search for food by individuals has, therefore, heightened insecurity and hopelessness.
The bottomline of troubles arising from food insecurity lie in the neglect of agriculture in favour of crude oil exploration in the country. In the era of oil boom, we lost palm fruits and its produce as the major source of revenue in the South East mangrove forest to Malaysia. From the South West, cocoa farms exterminate leaving employees to park bag and baggage. Up North, the groundnut pyramids lowered gradually to the ground. Oil brought initial blessings. The thinking, focus and attention of all Nigerians were diverted head long in the scramble for oil proceeds. Unfortunately, oil brought paltry blessings but long lasting uncertainties.
That is why Akpabio deserves our commendation and support. Just like the Wikileaks reported of an American government's view of the governor, he is, indeed, one to be studied. Here is one sane governor with a strong conviction that agro entrepreneurial development can reposition Nigeria economically, while feeding its populace.
To resuscitate the valuable venture, the government focuses on a target group – the women fold. In the scheme, not fewer than 2, 500 women are to receive training in agro production, processing, storage, and marketing techniques. Away from the usual talk shops, the beneficiaries are to be financially empowered with N250, 000 each for practical implementation of their specialized areas. This would be in addition to the Farmers program already in place since 2007; with a similar provision of N250,000 to each beneficiary.
To some people, the action of Akwa Ibom State government is another way of putting money in the pockets of women. They are quick to dismiss it as another compensation for political supporters. But a more objective view is to imagine the benefit of this decision in about four years to come. Now, we have a governor and a government who work the talk. In days gone by, such actions usually began and ended on the pages of newspapers, airwaves and cyberspace. But just as in other spheres of governance, the present Akwa Ibom leadership has taken a positive direction. In today's world, the compass of rebuilding confidence in the people is agriculture.
Right from 2007, agriculture has received varying degrees of attention from Akpabio's government. But the time was not ripe for full-scale investment in the area as the right infrastructure needed to be put in place. in many facets. This year, the Akpabio administration has already set aside N7.909 billion for agriculture.
So far, the administration has initiated programmes aimed at laying solid foundations in agricultural revolution. From the integrated farmer's scheme to effective fertilizer distribution programmes and accelerated livestock and fish production. The major target is to ensure improved food security in the state.
Under the integrated farmers' scheme, the Akwa Ibom State government has trained over 930 young men and women in different aspects of agriculture. Specifically, the trainees go through rudiments on crop production, livestock rearing as in poultry, piggery, and rabbiting. Each session, about 30 youths are selected from the 31 local government areas for even speed of empowerment programme.
Currently, the government has embarked on expanding and reorganising the integrated farmers scheme. Greater attention has been paid to the expansion of the rice farms located in the three senatorial districts. It has promoted the Community Plantation Development Scheme (CPDS) for the up keeping of cocoa, plantains rubber and yam plantations. Since take-off, the CPDS has aided communities to manage and sustain large acres of oil palm rubber and cocoa plantations.
In another laudable scheme, Akpabio has invested in community fish farms. In each of the federal constituencies, fish farm estates have been established. Available data show that not few than 5, 700 metric tons of fish are derived per annum and not less than N2.4 billion generated revenue.
Akpabio's dream is to make agriculture the largest employer of labour and the second largest revenue generator in the state. Naturally, Akwa Ibom State has a fertile land mass with favourable ecological and climatic conditions that can sustain agricultural activities in whatever form and scope. There is no doubt that a holistic environment in agriculture has the capacity of creating economic engagement, earning foreign exchange, increasing revenue, and gingering visible development.
Aside, it can open avenues of empowerment for people, stabilise the economy as well as propel industrial growth. As taken up by Akwa Ibom State administration, the desire is not only to create food for the stomach. Agreed, there are hindrances against agriculture ranging from traditional land tenure, low literary level of farmers, inaccessible sources of funds, and absence of processing plants.
Other hindrances include poor transportation system, preservation, storage and packaging. But these are not insurmountable if the people are willing to partner government to address them. In this era of modern technology, sophisticated machines are used in processing and preserving of the commodities. Hence, those who are well trained must assist to offer vocational training to the farmers.
Developing agriculture has strong implication for economic development of Akwa Ibom State. The free and compulsory education, free health care, programmes of this administration can be more meaningful where we have enough food to keep body and soul together. Yet, since we are not only living to eat, Akwa Ibom people have the obligation of changing their destiny by acting to improve the present generation. This can greatly be attained if we work to produce raw material for factories either at home, or by the nations.
Eventually, individuals would become independent and self-reliant economically. Wealth will be created. Employment, industrialisation, economic growth and stability will be ensured. This is Akpabio's path towards elimination of stagnation and poverty. And it's worthy of commendation and emulation!
• Akpan, an agric consultant and public affairs commentator, wrote from Nsit Ibom, Akwa State