Benue Unveils Five-Year Food Security Plan to Tackle Farming Crisis and Insecurity
The Benue State Government has launched a five-year Food Security Plan aimed at improving agricultural production and tackling the insecurity that has continued to disrupt farming activities across the state.
The policy was unveiled during an event themed “Enhancing Food Security and Peace Building in Nigeria Through Strategic Planning.”
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, represented by the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Agriculture, Danjuma Adejo, said Governor Hyacinth Alia was fully committed to implementing the plan.
He explained that the policy would be reviewed midway in 2028, while a comprehensive evaluation would be carried out in 2031.
Ashaver urged ministries, departments and agencies to take ownership of the plan and called on local government councils, traditional rulers and farming communities to ensure its successful implementation at the grassroots.
According to him, persistent insecurity, especially attacks by armed herders, has forced many farmers from their communities, disrupted planting and harvesting seasons, and reduced food production across Benue.
He also commended the Supply Chain, Research and Innovation Hub (SCRIH) policy team, led by Ajibola Oladipo and Dr. Shalem Shiekuma, for developing the strategic document.
Presenting the plan, Dr. Akange Edward said its key objectives include creating a stable environment for agricultural production, improving land governance, rebuilding rural economies, and strengthening transportation, supply chains and market access.
He noted that the continued attacks on farmers by armed groups highlight deeper structural challenges affecting both agriculture and security rather than poor farming performance alone.
Akange said Benue, widely regarded as Nigeria’s food basket because of its fertile land and abundant water resources, is now battling multiple challenges, including insecurity, displacement, land disputes and climate change, all of which have weakened the state’s agricultural sector and threatened food security.
