Food Security

BRIEF HISTORY OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND SCHEMES BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENTS TOWARDS FOOD SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN NIGERIA

Published

3 years ago

August 6, 2022

Akindele Faleye

■ The FAO sponsored fertilizer Trail.

….@ WUFAS AGRONET, We don’t know more than Food. (Earner “FAO TOP FAN” Badge )

PROGRAMMES AND SCHEMES

The Four Year National Development Plan, 1970–1974
The Commodity Board, 1970–77.
The FAO-sponsored Fertilizer Trail.
The National Accelerated Food Production Programme (NAFPP).
The Operation Feed The Nation. ( OFN ) 1976
Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund-March 1977
The Green Revolution Programme, 1980
The River Basin Development Authority ( RBDA). 1976 by Dee, 25.
The Integrated Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) began in 1987.
The Directorate of Food, Road and Rural Infrastructures ( DFRRI )1986
AGRICULTURAL POLICY FOR NIGERIA-February 1988
Agricultural Insurance Scheme-December 1988
Fertilizer Procurement and Distribution
NIRSAL 2015– To date

The Four Year National Development plan, 1970 -74 provided the framework for subsequent Schemes and Programmes giving lead and directions in agricultural development.
Nigeria is predominantly an agrarian country . It was estimated that about 80% of the total working population in Nigeria were engaged in the production of cocoa, oil palm products, groundnut,cotton, timber, food crops, rubber, fishing, and animal husbandry. Before the oil boom, no less than 60% of the country’s exports were derived from agriculture. Farming also provided at least 50% of the total products. Farming in Nigeria could be divided conveniently into small peasant and estate farming. While the peasant farmers were involved in food crops such as yams, cassava, guinea corn, millet, maize , rice , beans, etc for family consumption, the inland market and sometimes for export. . Estate farming is devoted to the cultivation of cash crops like cocoa, rubber, coffee, tea, timber, sugar, tobacco, etc.

Over the years, the decline in agricultural activities and subsequent increase in import bills had necessitated various schemes or programmes launched to tackle the growing problems of inadequate Food production. Livestock , fisheries resources . Notable of these programmes were :

● Special Scheme e.g., establishment of food companies in at least 3 states —the Mid-Western, Kwara and East-Central States .

● Seed Schemes — The provision of improved seeds and seedling multiplication schemes in most states.

● Irrigation schemes especially in the Northern states of the country. These were in the areas of potentially suitable but uncultivated land in the basins of major rivers and in the upper catchment of their tributaries.

● Mechanized Farming – Was primarily in government owned farms while government arranged for private farms with hiring units for tractors , equipment and service workshop in most states.

● Livestock Projects — Livestock, poultry and fishery development were vigorously pursued in most of the states. Early efforts in dairy development were yielding encouraging results in Benue – plateau, North- Central ,Lagos etc. back then, the Agege farm in Lagos produced milk in commercial quantity that compared favorably with imported brands. A 140- dairy cow unit produced about 142,218 liters of milk per annum.

● Fishing Industry –

■ AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL.
In 1971, the Federal Government established the Agric Research Council of Nigeria. To provide an effective machinery for a central co- ordination of Agric Research in Nigeria. The decree that established it stipulated that it’s to advise on National Science Policy and Financial requirements for the implementation of such policy in respect of Research and training in the agricultural science and to promote the national economy by application of the results of such research and training.

THE RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

● Cocoa Research Institute — Established in Ibadan to take over the research projects formerly conducted by the West African Cocoa Research Institute based in Tafo (Ghana) . Nigeria at the time of the establishment of the institution was the world’s second largest producer. In addition to Cocoa the institute also conducted research into kola nuts, Cashew and Coffee improvement producing high yielding Cocoa hybrids and improved kola.

●Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research. — Primarily to raise the quality and quantity of oil palm fruit yields . It also encouraged farmers on better processing methods.

● Federal Department of Agricultural Research. — Established in 1899 but reconstituted in 1954 to raise the productivity of Nigeria’s staple food crops such as Yam, Cassava, Sweet potatoes, maize, rice, legumes and citrus fruits. Headquartered in Ibadan with satellite substations across Nigeria.

● Federal Department of Forest Research. – Established in 1954 conducts Research to support timber production and utilisation in the country . Stationed at Ibadan with sub stations at Zaria, Kano Umuahia and Sapoba (Benin).Field stations are strategically located within the main forest areas.

● Nigeria Store Products Research Institute.— Based in Lagos with substations in Ibadan, kano, Portharcourt. To study the problem of Nigerian food crops and export produce and devices ways to curb looses due to bad storage and insects infestation.

● Federal Fisheries Department.— centres around fish resources of Nigeria’s efficient exploitation , utilisation and the training of fisher men in modern fishing methods and equipment. as well as fish production in Lake Chad , brackish (salty) and fresh water potentials.

● Federal Department of Veterinary Research. — Into animal production and protection against bacteria, viral as well as parasitic diseases of poultry and other Livestock.

● Nigeria Institute of trypanosomiasis Research — For prevention of tsetse borne disease, sleeping sickness etc.

■ The FOOD and AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATION” ( FAO) sponsored fertilizer trails. The critics of this programme claimed that the recommended brands of fertilizer might not be appropriate in all instances for a large size country as Nigeria (98.6)million Hectares with distinctive and different ecological zones and soil regimes and profiles this argument gave rise to local production of fertilizer needed in the country in relation to Salinity and alkalinity of soil from very low to moderately prognostic parameters of saline and alkaline and the electro conductivity , pH, exchangeable Cat-ion and An – ion .

■ NATIONAL ACCELERATED FOOD PRODUCTION PROGRAMME.
This programme laid a solid foundation for extention and Research Cooperation in food crop production enhancing farmers to select and adopt new and high yielding varieties of seed and crops leading to improved practices.

■ OPERATION FEED THE NATION PROGRAMME. Launched on May 21st 1976 ( OFN ).
This programme was to mobilise the nation towards self sufficiency , self reliance in food and to encourage pride in agriculture for participation of all the populace also to generate awareness of the importance of agriculture in National development with the mobilisation of both rural and urban dwellers to participate in agriculture of conventional crop farming, fish farm , backyard and gardens or poultry .
The programme created the necessary consciousness and attitudes towards food production.

■ AGRICULTURAL CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME FUND
A decree establishing an agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund came into force in March 1977 . With the sum of 100million Naira allocated to fund purpose of providing guarantee for loans granted for agrc purposes by any bank with the provisions of the decree.

■ GREEN REVOLUTION PROGRAMME 1980 –
The programme innovated strategies ( Food mission )which estimated the level of food production needed to achieve self sufficiency such as the expansion of the integrated Agricultural Development Programme (ADP ) to cover all states of the federation and created support for artisanal fisheries , agriculture and establishment of grains storage reserve facilities among others.

■ The Integrated Agricultural Development Programme ( ADP ) — In 1986/87 the unit directed it’s efforts in strengthening the extension system based on the training and inspection of extension services and workers , significant improvement were recorded one year after the innoguration the outfit increased rural infrastructural development in road construction , farm settler centres , small earth dams , boreholes , fish ponds etc.

● Fertiliser Procurement and Distribution. — In 1988 about 377500mt of fertiliser was imported. In addition NAFCON supplied 315000 tons of Compound fertiliser while FSFC kaduna made available 20000tons . About 1mmt of various fertilizer were made available to farmers in 1988. Subsidy on fertiliser still subsist.

■ THE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SCHEME. ( RBDA ) .
Harnessing the abundant water resources of this great Nation for agricultural production and other uses

■ THE COMMODITY BOARDS.
Commodity marketing system consisting of a price fixing authority and seven commodity boards operating on nation – wide basis irrespective of state boundaries was created . The commodity boards were to encourage the production and to organise the marketing of major agricultural commodities for local production and processing, thereby providing maximum benefits to farmers and home demand. The boards were also responsible for the processing of raw materials before export
Although each of the boards provided guaranteed minimum prices at which farmers sell to them . Farmers and plantation owners are free to sell direct to local processors or to consumers. The seven boards were :
• Cocoa Board — Responsible for Cocoa, Coffee, and tea.
• Groundnut Board — Responsible for Groundnuts, Soya beans, Beniseed, Shea nut, and Ginger.
• Cotton Board — Responsible for Cotton, Kenaf , and similar fibre.
• Palm Produce Board — Responsible for Palm kernel, Palm oil and Copra.
• Rubber Board — Responsible for rubber.
• Grains Board — For all Food grains.
• Root Crops Board — For tubers and root crops..
However, the activities of various marketing boards ceased from March 1977.
■ The DIRECTORATE of FOOD , ROADS AND RURAL INFRASTRUCTURES ( DFRRI ).1986 – Mandated to fix rural roads network etc

■ AGRICULTURAL POLICY FOR NIGERIA – February 1988.
The ultimate aim is to documented plan that will guide the nation’s agric development plan for the next 15years 1988 – 2004. Under the plan STRATEGIC GRAIN RESERVE PROGRAMME, BUFFER STOCK and Farm storage for on-farm storage

■ AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE SCHEME — The Ministry of Agriculture in Collaboration with National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria ( NICON ) Provided necessary covers to farmers against natural disaster, at the launching 41.5millionNaira was raised. The government decided to bear 50% while the farmers would bear the remaining 50%. It was then mandatory for all farmers who obtain credit facilities from any bank to take an insurance policy.

■ NIRSAL — NIG. INCENTIVES BASED RISK SHARING SYSTEM FOR LENDING. -‘ Focus commodity value chains known as 5- 4 -3 -3 -1 commodities.

1 – Aqua cultures and integrated Livestock commodities.
The above are under the agreement with mapping to market (M2M ) strategy. With a commercial bank leveraging NIRSAL Credit Risk Guarantee making it easier for lenders to Agric business.

2- Controlled environment Agricultural commodities — Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.(FFV)

3- Consumer commodities — Rice, Beans, Sweet potatoes etc.

4- Export commodities – Hibiscus, Sesame, Ginger and Shea butter’s

5 Industrial commodities – Maize, Soya beans, wheat , Cassava and cotton.

The various Schemes and Programmes had their various successes and failures.
At WUFAS AGRONET, We are Competent and Reliable Food Technologists . Into Human Capital Development Consultancy Empowering through Demonstrative Seminars in “Ethics” of Food Processing Technology , training the teeming youthful population, unemployed and underemployed graduates in Postharvest handling (Processing ) . Our Contact 08034064270, 08157784430. www.wufasagronet.com , email: wufasagronet@gmail.com

Food Security

SECURITY PATHWAYS IN RELATION TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY OF A NATION.

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2025

Akindele Faleye

Good governance is predicated on ensuring the actualisation of the various security architecture of a Nation. The political barometer is also monitored through the efficiency of the security pathways which are :
INTERNAL SECURITY, INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION. , FOOD SECURITY, HEALTH ,EDUCATION, ELECTRICITY, TRANSPORTATION AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH.
.
All the above are the essential security systems that can produce and provide QUALITY POPULATION through good and quality SUPERVISION

✅NATIONAL Security of life and properties is the (numero uno) number one responsibility of the Head of government be it President, Head of state and others. The mandate to secure life and property is paramount , they control and command the apparatus of security such as adequate Policing, effective Armed forces- Army for protection against external or internal aggression. Customs / Immigration for vigilant boarders patrol to prevent smuggling and immigration control amongst many others . Equipping them with weapons, Aircrafts, Vehicles, Boats etc.
For effective surveillance. In tackling the menace of bandits and kidnappers who have taken over the forest prohibiting farming activities . Armed Forest Guards / Rangers should be introduced.

INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION.
The entire world is in information age.
The constitution clearly stipulate that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and to receive as well as to impact ideas and information.
However, it is the opinion of this writer that freedom be guided with secured intent to prevent abuse that may result in conflicts and war through hateful and unguided utterances.
The most acceptable form of communication is such that promote humane, responsible and patriotic reportage upholding the concept of discipline and promoting values nationally and internationally.
A lot of opportunity mostly untapped abound for investment in Information and communication like Print, Electronic and ICT media.
For industrial growth, information through advertisement, publication and social media is vital for public awareness.

FOOD SECURITY
Whether one eat to live or live to eat is a matter of semantics the bottom – line is Food is the main sustainace of bodies and souls. The importance of food cannot be over emphasised . knowing this fact of life has made the developed world to appropriately plan for provision of quality food for their citizens. Provision of food is prioritize in their national agenda. It is on this note that the United Nation’s clarion call to others in the world to emulate the culture of Sustainable Food Security ensuring the Tripple A(s). of AVAILABILITY, ACCEPTABLITY and AFFORDABILITY. ( UN 2030 food security agenda) of good quality food for the underdeveloped countries who are import dependent on basic food items such as Rice, Sugar, Dairy , Beverages etc .
Presently, Nigeria is revolutionising agrioprenuerial activities, it’s hoped that the present policies on agriculture will not be Summersaulted. The Maputo declaration on allocation of minimum 10% of the country’s annual budget must go to agriculture. Food must be made a constitutional right for all. The authority must take time to support Micro and Small scale Agroprenuerails activities to adapt to climate change. Agroprenuerail activities is the surest way to lift hundreds of millions out of hunger, poverty, conflict and deaspiration.

HEALTH CARE
Health is wealth – Primary Health care delivery must be taken to the grassroot levels, while Rural Health care moblisation be made available and effective all must be well equipped with vaccines, drugs, consumables and other biologicals.
— Ensure maintenance of standard by private sector through effective monitoring.
— Tapping into Herbs Processing , local medical herbs be Researched into by National Institute of Pharmaceutical RnD. In Collaboration with Fed Mins. of Science and Technology.
— Integration of alternative medicine into health care.
— Health insurance scheme must be intensified on .
— Stemming of illegal importation of smuggled fake drugs and illegal drug manufacturing in the country.

EDUCATION
A Society, Community and Nation is as good as the percentage of her literary population. The various levels of education are Primary , Secondary and teriary education 6-3-3-4 .Education must attract appropriate budget at all time. Education is being administered by Public and Private participation at all levels. The special education must receive attention by provision of special equipment such as braille machine, audiometer etc.

ELECTRICITY
To the chagrin of the unsuspecting consumers and Contrary to claim of the generation companies that generation capacity has improved to 7000 MW , the actual has been fluctuating between 2500 -3500 MW.(April 2019)
The idea of mono grid must be jettison while the legislation be relaxed to accommodate Private participations in generation. While effort must be intensified on the Green Bond of #10.97bn raise in December 2018. for financing of SOLAR energy.
Industrial development is unachievable without steady supply of electricity. A green belt of
Industrial Parks on Green energy is recommended in all the States of federation.this will sustain industrial activities that will promote growth.

TRANSPORTATION
This sector is an indispensable catalyst for stimulating economic, social, political and strategic/defence development of a Nation. All the National Development plans must accord the transport sector very high priority. In the formulation of National Transport policy, there must be defined objectives such as economic efficiency and coordinated development plan.
All forms of transportation system are embraced in Nigeria. Motor ,Railway transportation, inland waterways, aviation terminal and handling facilities seaports, airports and riverports including other ancillary facilities.
The administration of Transportation is vested in both Fed. Ministry of Works and Housing (Fed. Highways – Interstate roads Construction and maintenance) and State Ministry of Works/Transport (interstate roads while LG is responsible for Urban and Rural roads Construction and maintenance.
Aviation Ministry for Civil Aviation, Airports Development Management and Metrological services.
Internationally, the railway system is more affordable and relatively saver the frequency in Nigeria must be upgraded not scanty show up as is now the case.

INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
The economic growth rate ( 2019) is 2.1% ,this development is not unconnected with the dismal performances of the various indices above. eg the manufacturing growth rate is presently less than 7% although the Fedreral government set a 10.6% goal in 2017.which was to be driven by SME. Productivity is the only stimulant for Industrial growth. Farming output is barely about 22% mostly subsistence. .about 55% of work force is absorbed by agriculture. The major farming communities in North East, Middle belt downwards to the southern section are being sacked either Boko Haram terrorist or Pasteuralist /Farmers conflicts and banditry.
The various activities as enumerated in this writeup are all depended on Food security system. FOOD SECURITY MUST BE IN THE FRONT BURNER TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS. IN OTHER SEGMENTS.

CONCLUSION
— FOOD Security issues must be in the front burner of government’s agenda. Since it encompasses all other activities.
— The effectiveness of other parasatal must be ensured through adequate supervision.
— TO PREVENT IMMINENT DANGER OF FAMINE. Forest Guards (armed) must be appropriately deployed to secure the large expanse of the forest for Farming activities.
— Indigenous Reserch and Development on local Technology be improved on.
— Electricity generation from Green Energy source should be encouraged in the Industrial parks.
— Food Security system must be made a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT for all the citizenry.

At WUFAS AGR0Net, we are Competent and Reliable Food Processing Technologists ,into Human Capital Development Consultancy. Centering on ETHICS of Food Processing Technology. Training on industrial food processing (General Manufacturing Principles ) to the teeming youthful population, startups and other Food handlers. We are seeking Collaboration and Strategic partnership with corporate bodies, NGOs and others
Interested in Food Security.

Contact: 08157784430, 08034064270.

Emails wufasagronet @gmail.com

Food Security

BIO-ETHANOL DISTILLATION PROCESS.(using molasses)

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2025

Akindele Faleye

✅—– by (WUFAS AGR0Net fmr. Factory Mgr.Nig. Yeast & Alcohol Manu.co.Ltd. (NIYAMCO).
Ethanol Distillation plant Bacita kw.state )

ALCOHOLS .
Portable Ethanol production using molasses is a product of (anaerobic ) fermentation , the process brings about multiplicity of products such as Methanol, Ethanol(C6H5OH ), Butanol, Penthanol and other higher Alcohols. Distillation is a process of specificity each of the Alcohols have their flash or boiling points at which they’re separated in the distillation column.

MOLASSES PREPARATION .
Molasses is a very viscose syrup a waste product of crystalline sugar from sugar manufacturing plant. It consist of about 80% sucrose and other metallic ions eg ferrous, calcium, magnesium, Mercury etc. with caramelised sugars.
At the plant the viscose molasses is charged into a large mixing vat with enough water to bring down the viscosity to the desired ( brix) or density usually from about 40deg.brix to 14deg brix. Then heat is applied to about 80 deg.cent. while agitation continues. the solution is treated with sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and Urea an ammonium salt. While the acid form the sulphate salt of the metallic ions and precipitate the ammonia serves as nutrients for the yeast during fermentation. At the desired density the solution is transferred into the fermenter through plate heat exchanger that cools the molasses solution to ambient temperature. While simultaneously the solution is pitched with yeast from the cold yeast vat.

CASSAVA is another potent source of Ethanol fermentation by degradation of the polysaccharide into simple sugars. — Comprehensive details in our journal.

FERMENTATION
The fermenter is of stainless steel and double jacketed. (For temperature control ). Fermentation is left for about 8-10hr till the density comes down to ( 6 + or -2 )
The yeast is then purged via the centrifuge back to the cold storage awaiting the next operation. While the fermented wort goes to the wort Buffer Stock tank ready for distillation.

YEAST .
The Yeast is propagated by BUDDING process. While the yeast room is kept clean at very low temperature.

QUALITY CONTROL
The quantity of alochol in the fermented wort can be determined prior to distillation in the laboratory as would be explained the journals.

DISTILLATION
Distillation is the separation of components of a solution based on their volatilities. (Dalton’s law)
The material for distillation is charged into the batch or continuous column equipped with the followings :
— Overhead vapour line.
— A condenser
— A condensate receiver
— Gravity separators
— Steam is admitted through perforated pipe at the bottom.
The performance of the plate column is based on Material balance, Energy balance and Phase equilibrium .
Hence Total Material .Balance is represented by the equation
F=D+B
F— Feed
D— separated vapour
B—-Bottom product.

Factors influencing plate efficiency for satisfactory separation are:
— Adequate operation of the plate.
— Adequate and intimate contact between vapour and liquid is very essential.
–Avoid excessive foaming or entrainment.
— Avoid poor vapour distribution.
— Avoid short circuiting or weeping.
— Avoid liquid dumping.
All these lower plate efficiency. Plate efficiency is a function of Mass transfer between liquid and vapour.
At 80deg.cent boiling point of Ethanol it will separate out and the condensate cooled and sent to the stock tank given Potable Ethanol of about 97%. While the higher Alcohols Methanol, Butanol, Penthanol etc are received in another stock tank these combination is called Industrial Alcohols. Used as solvent industrially.

The above is a brief elucidation of the distillation process which is frothy with illustrative linearity equations. For further interest contact us for full details.

At WUFAS AGRONET, WE ARE COMPETENT AND RELIABLE FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGISTS INTO HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY IN FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY PROMOTING GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS AND INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES IN FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY .WE SEEK COLLABORATION AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STAKE HOLDERS IN FOOD SECURITY SUCH AS WORLD BANK, USAID, NGOS. IN training the teeming youthful population in productive ventures of Food Processing Technology.

Contact : 08034064270, 08157784430.

Email, wufasagronet@gmail.com

Food Security

FOOD SECURITY AND IT’S ATTENDANT GLOBAL CRISIS – WORLD BANK GROUP REPORT.

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2025

Akindele Faleye

✅ The World bank had given analytical database information on Food Insecurity.
✅Food Insecurity cannot be localized to the leadership of any country.

….. @WufasAgronet, we are competent and reliable Food Technologists into Human Capital and Value Chain Development Consultancy.

The latest Food Security Update is now available here: http://wrld.bg/NZ9C50UsKBg
Uh
Highlights:

➡Domestic food price inflation remains high in many low- and middle-income countries. Inflation higher than 5% is experienced in 68.8% of low-income countries, 46.7% of lower-middle-income countries, 33% of upper-middle-income countries, and 10.9% of high-income countries.

➡ Since the last Update on November 15, the agricultural, export, and cereal price indices closed 12, 25, and 1 percent higher, respectively. A sharp increase in cocoa and coffee prices drove the increase in the export price index.

➡In the Market Monitor for December 2024, the Agriculture Market Information System notes that global wheat, maize, rice, and soybean prices are lower than in 2023. This reflects a relatively stable global market for the current marketing season, although uncertainties linger.

➡In the November 2024 edition of its biannual Food Outlook, FAO indicates that global food production is experiencing diverse trends across commodities. Declines are projected for wheat, maize, and sugar, whereas outputs of dairy, fisheries, meats, oilseeds, and rice are expected to grow.

➡According to the WFP’s 2025 Global Outlook, an estimated 343 million people are acutely food insecure across 74 countries where WFP operates—10% more than in 2023.The latest Food Security Update is now available here: http://wrld.bg/NZ9C50UsKBg

Highlights:

➡According to the WFP’s 2025 Global Outlook, an estimated 343 million people are acutely food insecure across 74 countries where WFP operates—10% more than in 2023.

AT WUFASAGRONET, We aren’t the author of the above we are only making the report available to the grassroots.

Environmental3 years ago

OPINION: AN ACCESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S PERFORMANCE IN THE OPTICS OF THE UN 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGENDA 2030. ( Periodic quaterly review & update — ( September ’22)