Oyo Deepens Partnership With FAO To Boost Food Security

The Oyo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and strengthening its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to enhance agricultural practices and boost food security across the state.

The secretary to the state government, Prof Musbau Babatunde, gave this assurance on behalf of the state governor, Seyi Makinde, while receiving the newly appointed FAO country representative at Secretariat, Ibadan.

Babatunde stated that the current administration was committed to harnessing strategic partnerships with international development organisations like the FAO to promote innovation, boost agricultural productivity and achieve sustainable rural development.

He emphasised that agriculture remains a key pillar in the state’s economic agenda, adding that collaboration with global bodies would further support farmers with modern techniques, capacity building and access to improved inputs.

The SSG also highlighted the various interventions of the state government in the agricultural sector, stressing that Oyo State is open to more technical support and knowledge exchange that would enhance value chains and promote food sufficiency.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, explained that the present administration in the state has made significant progress in the agricultural sector.

He highlighted key interventions such as the promotion of mechanized farming, including the introduction of a 50 percent tractorisation subsidy to support farmers, distribution of improved seedlings and farm inputs.

Also, provision of fertilizers at subsidized rates, rehabilitation of rural farm roads, irrigation support programmes, and strengthening of extension services to reach farmers at the grassroots.

He added that the government has also intensified efforts in livestock development, fisheries support, youth engagement in agribusiness, and the promotion of agro-processing and value addition to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ income.

In his remarks, the FAO country representative, Hussein Gadain, commended the Oyo State government for its proactive approach to agricultural development and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development, and food systems transformation.

Gadain further highlighted the contributions of the FAO to agricultural development in Nigeria, including support for smallholder farmers through capacity building, provision of climate-resilient seeds, promotion of sustainable farming practices, pest and disease control interventions, and strengthening of food systems.

He noted that the organisation had also been actively involved in supporting farmers with early warning systems, digital agricultural solutions, and resilience-building programmes aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security nationwide.