Interrogating Kaduna State’s march to food security

Kaduna State is making a determined effort to bolster food security through a strategic focus on agriculture, even as insecurity continues to plague Nigeria's northern regions. Banditry, insurgency, and communal conflicts have historically disrupted farming, crippled rural economies, and threatened the nation's food supply, leading to abandoned farmlands and rising food inflation. However, Governor Uba Sani's administration is actively working to shift this narrative, positioning agriculture as a central pillar of economic planning rather than a mere slogan.

The state possesses significant agricultural potential, with the Kaduna–Jos–Benue axis being a major food-producing region. Agriculture accounts for 43-45% of Kaduna's Gross Domestic Product, and it ranks among the country's leading producers of crops like maize and ginger. Despite these advantages, years of insecurity, internal divisions, and recurring crises have overshadowed Kaduna's agricultural strength, leading to its association with conflict rather than cultivation.

Governor Sani's commitment to revitalizing the sector is evident in the state's budgetary allocations. Kaduna has steadily increased its spending on agriculture, surpassing the Malabo Declaration's recommendation of dedicating at least 10% of public expenditure to the sector. This increased investment is crucial for rebuilding the agricultural base, supporting farming communities, and ultimately enhancing national security through food self-sufficiency. The administration recognizes that while security is paramount, the ability of citizens to earn a livelihood and feed their families through farming is equally vital for the welfare and prosperity of the people.