Benue launches five-year strategic food security plan to boost agriculture, peace

Benue State has officially launched a five-year Strategic Food Security Plan designed to revitalize agricultural production, enhance farmers' livelihoods and address the growing impact of insecurity on food supply. The initiative was introduced under the Enhancing Food Security and Peacebuilding in Nigeria through Strategic Planning Project (EFSPP) and featured participation from government officials, farmers, academics, traditional leaders and other key stakeholders. The plan was formally endorsed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Benjamin Ashaver, who emphasized the need for all relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to take active roles in implementing the strategy. Represented by the Governor's Technical Adviser on Agriculture, Danjuma Adejo, Mr Ashaver also called upon local governments, traditional institutions and farming communities to support the initiative and maintain the collaborative efforts that led to its creation. During his remarks, Mr Ashaver reiterated Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to the plan, which includes a mid-term review scheduled for 2028 and a final evaluation in 2031. He praised the policy team of the Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRIH), led by Ajibola Oladipo and Shalem Shiekuma, for their work in developing the comprehensive strategy. The commissioner expressed concern over the ongoing threats posed by armed herders, which have resulted in the displacement of thousands of farmers, disrupted farming cycles and diminished agricultural yields. He described how these challenges have eroded trust within rural communities and created tensions between herders and farmers. Akange Edward, who presented the Strategic Food Security Plan to the state government, outlined the document as a blueprint for restoring stability in agricultural production, reinforcing land governance, rejuvenating rural economies and enhancing logistical and market systems. According to Mr Edward, the strategy aims to confront the root causes that have undermined food production and rural livelihoods throughout the state. He highlighted that while Benue is often referred to as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation” due to its rich soil, ample water resources and hardworking farming populace, several pressing issues, such as insecurity, displacement, land-use disputes, climate change and insufficient infrastructure, have severely impacted agricultural performance. Mr Edward pointed out that the challenges facing Benue extend beyond mere agricultural underperformance and touch on deeper systemic vulnerabilities at the crossroads of food systems and conflict situations. He noted that recurrent attacks on farming areas have revealed broader structural problems affecting both agriculture and peacebuilding efforts. The Strategic Food Security Plan is anticipated to function as a guiding framework for increasing food production, building resilience among farming communities and fostering sustainable peace and economic growth in the state. It represents a concerted effort to address multifaceted challenges impacting food security and social harmony in Benue.