FAO Begins Distribution of Farm Inputs to 210,000 Conflict-Affected Farmers in North-East

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has launched the distribution of seeds, fertilizers, livestock feed and other agricultural inputs to about 210,000 conflict-affected people across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The distribution programme was officially flagged off in Maiduguri, Borno State, with FAO saying the initiative is aimed at helping vulnerable households restore food production, improve incomes and rebuild their livelihoods.

Speaking during the launch, FAO Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Hussein Gadain, said approximately 30,000 households would benefit from the intervention, which targets communities recovering from years of insecurity and displacement.

According to him, the programme includes the distribution of 163 metric tonnes of improved cereal, legume and vegetable seeds, 238 metric tonnes of NPK fertilizer, 375 metric tonnes of livestock feed, 118,000 poultry birds, 3,000 goats and 116 metric tonnes of Tom Brown nutritional food.

Dr. Gadain noted that the intervention was made possible through funding support from the governments of Norway, Switzerland and Japan.

He added that FAO is also investing in long-term agricultural projects, including solar-powered irrigation systems, irrigation cluster farms, aquaculture, dairy production, fodder development and climate-smart farming practices to strengthen food security in the North-East.

The FAO chief warned that millions of Nigerians remain at risk of severe food insecurity, especially in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, due to prolonged conflict, climate-related challenges, displacement, rising food prices and economic hardship.

He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to working with the Borno State Government and development partners to promote resilient livelihoods and sustainable agricultural growth across the region.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, commended FAO for the timely intervention and urged farmers to make good use of the farming inputs by planting during the current rainy season.

The governor said his administration remains committed to improving food security by supporting farmers to become more productive, self-reliant and resilient.

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