"Oyo Lawmaker, Hon Abiodun Babalola Calls for Community-Led Farming Initiatives to Boost Food Sufficiency"

A lawmaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Ibadan Northeast Constituency 1, Hon. Abiodun Babalola, has raised a crucial matter regarding the urgent need for local government areas (LGAs) in Oyo State to initiate extensive farming efforts aimed at achieving food sufficiency in the state. 

He gave the urge on Tuesday, while presenting a matter of urgent public importance during the plenary of the assembly.

Highlighting the state’s rich agricultural heritage and the presence of esteemed research institutions such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Babalola emphasised the potential for maximising agricultural output across the state's 33 LGAs and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). 

He proposed that each LGA allocate at least ten hectares of land for the cultivation of food crops, a move designed to bolster local farming and reduce reliance on external food supplies, particularly from Northern states.

Babalola criticised the state’s heavy dependence on food from outside regions, noting that this reliance has made Oyo residents "metaphorical slaves" to Northern farmers. 

He pointed out that despite the fertile arable land available, the state is struggling with food sufficiency, which threatens the economic stability and well-being of its residents. 

The assemblyman also referenced the ongoing efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde, particularly the establishment of the Fasola farm settlement, which has created significant opportunities for agricultural development. 

He argued that local farmers should leverage these resources to secure markets and process their harvests effectively.

Furthermore, Babalola highlighted the substantial daily expenditure on essential food items in the state and the Southwest region, calling it a missed economic opportunity. 

He urged local governments to reclaim their agricultural strength, which has historically seen the region thrive on cash crop production.

The lawmaker emphasised that enhancing local food production could lead to job creation, poverty reduction, and overall economic growth.

He added it would also contribute to sustainability by minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food from distant areas.

"Each Local Government Area (LGA) should immediately allocate at least ten hectares of land for the cultivation of food crops."

"The Agricultural Departments within each LGA and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) must develop and implement a comprehensive farming plan that incorporates training for local farmers to enhance their skills and productivity."

"Additionally, LGAs should leverage partnerships with agricultural research institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) for technical assistance."

"To ensure the success of these agricultural initiatives, the Executive Arm of Government must provide financial and logistical support. Public awareness campaigns should be promoted to encourage local food production."

"Furthermore, a monitoring and evaluation committee should be established to assess the progress of the farming initiatives and ensure accountability in achieving food sufficiency goals," he posited.