The recent drop in food prices in key rural markets has been attributed to the expanded food availability and higher productivity across the supply chain spurred by the minister’s intervention.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has been commended for driving impactful reforms that are delivering measurable results in the country’s food production value chain.

The Centre for Rural Prosperity and Agricultural Development (CeRPAD), a policy research organization, praised Kyari following an 18-month independent evaluation conducted across 26 states. The evaluation revealed notable improvements in farmers’ access to inputs, crop yields, and post-harvest management, particularly in states such as Benue, Ekiti, Jigawa, Cross River, and Niger.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 13, 2025, CeRPAD’s Executive Director, Dr. Jude Okoye, explained that the study aimed to assess the real-time impact of federal agricultural policies on rural communities and food systems.

“Our team visited agricultural hubs in 26 states, and the findings were promising. For example, rice farmers in Benue and Jigawa reported higher yields due to improved seed distribution and timely access to fertilizers,” Okoye stated. “In Cross River and Ekiti, maize and cassava farmers benefited from the return of trained agricultural extension officers, who introduced smarter planting techniques that boosted output. These are not projections but actual field-level outcomes.”

The report also highlighted a reduction in food prices in key rural markets, attributed to increased food availability and higher productivity across the supply chain. In Niger State, yam and sorghum farmers reported surplus harvests, enabling them to sell competitively within and beyond their communities, thereby improving food access and reducing scarcity.

Okoye noted a positive shift in the mindset of smallholder farmers, who now exhibit greater optimism, better organization, and renewed trust in government-led initiatives. He emphasized that this psychological uplift is as significant as the material support provided.

CeRPAD further applauded Senator Kyari’s leadership, describing his tenure as a period of focused governance that has stabilized the agricultural sector, strengthened rural resilience, and achieved tangible progress in food security. Okoye highlighted Kyari’s understanding of sector challenges and his commitment to data-driven solutions, which have restored confidence among rural producers.

The organization’s assessment involved field inspections, farmer interviews, and commodity flow analysis in high-yield zones. It urged Nigerians to support the ministry’s efforts, emphasizing that agricultural transformation requires sustained investment and consistent policies.

One of the most striking findings was the steady reduction in food prices in rural and peri-urban markets. This shift is directly linked to the ministry’s timely distribution of quality inputs and support services, which have enabled farmers to harvest more and ease supply pressures on prices.

Farmers in states like Benue and Niger reported improved yields and better post-harvest handling, allowing them to enter markets confidently and avoid distressed sales. These changes have enhanced food availability, lowered household costs, and contributed to more nutritious meals for families.