The federal government has announced plans to integrate individuals affected by disasters, currently residing in camps, into a farming initiative aimed at enhancing food production across the country.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, revealed that this strategy seeks to provide a sustainable solution to the ongoing food crisis affecting vulnerable groups.
He explained that the ministry would collaborate with state governments and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to implement the program.
In a statement on Friday, Yilwatda outlined that the ministry would supply farming inputs, while state governments would allocate land, and the IDP camps would contribute labor.
“As part of a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s food crisis, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has launched a participatory agricultural program. This initiative involves shared responsibilities between the ministry, state governments, and IDPs in food production,” he stated.
Yilwatda further explained the scheme’s operational framework. “The ministry will provide farming inputs, state governments will offer land, and IDPs will supply labor.
Upon harvest, 30% of the yield will be retained by IDP farmers for food, while the remaining 70% will be procured by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
The proceeds from this will be deposited directly into the farmers’ accounts. The harvested 70% will also be stored as a strategic reserve to feed other vulnerable Nigerians.”
He emphasized that this collaborative approach would bolster food security, alleviate poverty, and establish a safety net for at-risk populations.
Highlighting local support for the program, Yilwatda acknowledged Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s commitment to the scheme, noting the state’s provision of 500 hectares of land.
“This initiative will strengthen the resilience of IDPs against poverty, address food insecurity, and offer additional safety net options for other vulnerable groups.
I commend Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his dedication to addressing the challenges faced by IDPs in Borno State,” Yilwatda concluded.