The Leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region, have called on the government to strengthen its focus on smallholder farmers which they said will enhance the quest to achieve food security.
The duo made the call during a consultative workshop on Climate Change Adaptation for Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria, held in Abuja.
The event, themed ‘Adaptation for Small-Holder Farmers and Responsive Public Policy: A Faith-Based Response’, was organized by the OAIC, Nigeria Region, in partnership with CAN.
The workshop aimed to create a platform for faith-based organizations to understand and address the unique needs of smallholder farmers.
The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in his address, harped on the importance of smallholder farmers in the drive to achieve national food security.
Okoh stated that “smallholder farmers produce 80% of the food consumed. This statistic emphasizes the crucial role they play in addressing food security in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.”
The CAN President further emphasized the need for faith-based organizations to support these farmers.
“By recognizing that a significant portion of these farmers are members of various faith communities, CAN aims to bridge the gap and act as a strong moral voice for them,” he said.
President of OAIC Nigeria Region, Elder Israel Akinadewo, highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
“They work tirelessly to feed our communities, yet they are often confronted with limited access to resources, climate change-induced uncertainties, market volatility, and social inequities,” he lamented.
Akinadewo pointed out the role of public policies in empowering farmers.
“Responsive public policies serve as the catalyst for change, enabling smallholder farmers to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity,” he argued.
“By leveraging their extensive networks, they amplify the voices of smallholder farmers and champion their rights at local, regional, and international levels,” he said.
The workshop served as a platform for future efforts to support smallholder farmers, with faith-based organizations playing a pivotal role.