Bauchi, Nigeria, July 26, 2024** — In a bid to tackle rising food scarcity and inflation in Nigeria, the Wunti Al-khair Foundation has distributed 6,000 bags of fertilizer and other farming inputs to farmers in Bauchi State. This initiative is part of a broader program aimed at boosting agricultural productivity across the country.
The distribution, which is the first phase of the program, covered farmers in 20 local government areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State. The foundation, whose mission is to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians due to soaring food prices, launched the program on Wednesday.
This development comes amid escalating economic challenges and worsening hunger in Nigeria. The country is grappling with a severe food crisis, with food inflation reaching 40.8% in June 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The NBS reports that some food items have seen price increases of over 250% year-on-year. For example, the price of 1kg of brown beans surged by 252.13%, from N651.12 in June 2023 to N2,292.76 in June 2024. Tomatoes saw an even higher increase of 320.67%, with prices jumping from N547.28 to N2,302.26 per kg.
Ismail Wunti, an official from the foundation, announced that the fertilizer distribution would eventually reach farmers in other parts of the country. The first phase began in seven Bauchi LGAs, including Toro, Alkaleri, Kirfi, Misau, Dambam, and Darazo, with plans to cover the remaining areas by Saturday.
Beneficiaries of this initiative include members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State chapter, as well as individual small-scale farmers selected from various wards across the state. Wunti emphasized that the program aims to ease the economic burden on farmers who are struggling with high prices of essential commodities and farming inputs, particularly fertilizers.
“This initiative is a significant contribution towards achieving food sufficiency and security. It is expected to bring relief to farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and boost economic growth,” Wunti said.
Mr. Ango Mustapha, Head of Enterprises at the foundation, explained that the high cost of fertilizer prompted the foundation to assist local farmers. Each selected farmer will receive two bags of fertilizer, and Mustapha urged them to use the inputs wisely to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Mallam Yakubu Sambo, Bauchi State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, praised the foundation for its timely support. He noted that the initiative is crucial given the high prices of fertilizer in the country.
Beneficiaries such as Ibrahim Fada, Hajiya Hauwa’u Abbas, and Yusuf Kilishi from Bauchi LGA, as well as Mrs. Tabita Dabo, Yusuf Yan’Kwanan Lame, and Ibrahim Yari from Toro LGA, expressed their gratitude to the foundation. Yari highlighted that the support is a significant relief considering the exorbitant prices of fertilizer in Nigeria.
This program by the Wunti Al-khair Foundation is a promising step towards mitigating the food crisis and supporting farmers in achieving better agricultural outcomes.
