The Cocoa and Plantain Farmers Association of Nigeria (CPFAN) has called on federal and state governments to deploy forest guards to farming communities to protect farmers and improve food security in the country. The association says insecurity in rural and forest areas is forcing many farmers to abandon their farms.
The appeal was made during a collaboration programme between CPFAN and Green World Natural Solutions aimed at educating farmers on agricultural innovations. Speaking on behalf of the national president, Ayodele Ojo, the Southeast Vice President of CPFAN, Samuel Dickson, said farmers are increasingly afraid to go to their farms due to banditry and attacks in forested areas.
Dickson said food security cannot be achieved unless farmers are properly protected, adding that security personnel should be stationed inside forests rather than on highways. He also highlighted rising cases of farm invasions, crop theft and kidnapping, which he said are discouraging investment in agriculture.
CPFAN further urged the government and security agencies to strengthen rural surveillance, improve rapid response to attacks and expand support for farmers, including access to inputs and finance, to sustain agricultural productivity.
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