By Darlington UDOBONG
Being made the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development was never a coincident for the Senator representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey. It was a deliberate fixture to aid the progress and development of Akwa Ibom State. Agriculture services have been the backbone of human civilization for millennia, providing sustenance, employment and economic stability in both developed and developing nations. In contemporary society, the significance of agriculture production services in fostering rural development cannot be overemphasized. These services encompass a wide range of activities, from crop cultivation to animal husbandry, and they play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life in rural areas. In fact, its array of benefits extends beyond the agricultural sector. Little wonder the ARISE Agenda of the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration is hinged on Agriculture.
The administration’s success story in the sector will thrive better through unparalleled synergy between the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development and the Akwa Ibom State Government. And because Senator Aniekan Bassey is completely in sync with “Growing the Economy, Developing our People” focus of the economic consolidation and expansion blueprint of the Pastor Umo Eno administration, which talks of “Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructural Maintenance/Industrial Development and Advancement, Security Management, Educational Advancement and Entrepreneurship (A.R.I.S.E),” permit me to bring to your knowledge the multifaceted benefits of agriculture production services, their contribution to rural development and why government investment in this area is essential for sustainable growth.
The many strides of Governor Umo Eno in the area of agriculture development are testaments to the progress of the state. On this, the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with a Benin Republic based agriculture firm, Songhai Farm, for training of youths and the proposed partnership with the Turkish Government during the Governor’s courtesy visit to the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, are clear indicators.
One of the benefits of the agriculture production services is food security. Agriculture production services are fundamental to ensuring food security. Rural development initiatives, such as improved infrastructure and access to technology, quality seeds, fertilizers and pest control measures, enhance the productivity of our farming communities across the 31 Local Government Areas. The result of this would be that Akwa Ibom will achieve greater food self-sufficiency and reduce its dependence on food imports, ensuring a stable supply of food for its populations. This is to say that higher agricultural productivity directly translates to more food for both local consumption and export. In turn, this contributes to national food security.
In the area of economic growth and empowerment, agriculture production services provide employment opportunities, income generation, and a source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population. When agriculture services are improved, productivity increases, leading to higher incomes for farmers and boosting overall economic growth in rural areas. This not only sustains rural communities but also contributes to the overall economic prosperity of a nation. In fact, as agriculture prospers, it stimulates related sectors to prosperity.
In terms of poverty alleviation, employment and gender empowerment, agriculture is often the largest employer of human and resources in rural communities. So, improving agriculture services reduces rural unemployment and contributes to poverty alleviation. Again, agriculture services and rural development programs offer income diversification and skill development to rural populations. These initiatives empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty by increasing their earning potential and improving their quality of life. Agriculture services and rural development can help address gender disparities in rural communities. Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, and by providing them with access to resources, education, and financial services, these programs can empower women and promote gender equality. Additionally, agriculture provides opportunities for women and marginalized groups to participate in income-generating activities, promoting inclusive development.
Another benefit of agriculture production services is environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change. Sustainable agriculture practices promoted through agriculture services will not only help protect the environment but are essential for long-term rural development. Agriculture production services promote eco-friendly farming methods that reduce soil degradation, conserve water resources, and minimize the use of harmful chemicals. By adopting sustainable practices, rural communities can protect their natural environment and ensure the fertility of their land for future generations. Also rural development programmes can assist farmers in adapting to climate change by introducing climate-resilient crop varieties, promoting sustainable land management practices, and offering risk mitigation strategies. These efforts make rural communities more resilient to the increasing challenges posed by climate change.
The benefits of agriculture production services also span through infrastructure development, rural-urban linkages and social cohesion. For instance, beyond agriculture services facilitating better connections between rural and urban areas, it also creates synergies that benefit both rural and urban areas. As agriculture improves, it can supply raw materials to urban industries. This improved connectivity can lead to greater access to markets, healthcare, education, and other essential services. In all, collaborative efforts in farming, resource management and infrastructure development create a sense of belonging and unity within rural communities. This, in turn, leads to stronger social networks and better overall well-being.
Agriculture production services and rural development are essential drivers of sustainable development across the globe and Akwa Ibom State is not an exception. Their benefits are far-reaching and extend beyond agriculture itself. They drive economic growth, alleviate poverty, protect the environment, empower communities, and enhance food security. As we strive for sustainable development, investing in agriculture services remains a top priority to ensure the well-being and prosperity of our state, Nigeria and, by extension, the entire world. So, by investing in these services, governments, organizations, and communities can stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and ensure sustainable development in rural areas. Recognizing the vital role of agriculture production services is crucial for building prosperous, equitable and resilient rural communities in the 21st century.
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