Governor Eno's 'Back to Farm' Initiative to Combat Food Inflation and Promote Economic Diversification in A'Ibom

By Ekaette Okon Joseph,

On May 1, 2024, during the annual Workers' Day celebrations, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced a groundbreaking initiative to address food security and economic diversification: the "Back to Farm" program. This initiative declares the first and third Fridays of every month as Farm Days for all workers in the state. It's a bold step that aligns with Governor Eno's ARISE agenda, aimed at creating a sustainable and diversified economy.

The Back to Farm initiative is more than just a call to action; it's a response to the harsh reality of soaring food prices in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the food inflation rate in March 2024 was a staggering 40.01% on a year-on-year basis, which is 15.56% higher than the rate recorded in March 2023.

This alarming trend has made it increasingly difficult for citizens to afford daily meals, eroding their purchasing power and deepening economic hardships.

The causes of this inflation include a surge in demand for foreign exchange, government policy shifts such as the removal of subsidies on petrol, and ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria, which has disrupted food production and distribution.

Governor Eno's Back to Farm initiative is designed to create a sustainable solution to these challenges. By encouraging state workers to dedicate time to agricultural activities, the programme aims to boost local food production, reduce dependence on food imports, and mitigate the impact of inflation.

This initiative is complemented by the Bulk Purchase Agency, which was established as a short-term measure to purchase food produce and resell it to citizens at discounted rates. While the agency offers temporary relief, Governor Eno is clear that returning to farming is the long-term solution to food sufficiency.

Under the Back to Farm initiative, state workers, including the governor, deputy governor, Executive Council members, and even lawmakers, will participate in farming activities. This approach serves as a model for the rest of the state, encouraging citizens to embrace agriculture as part of economic diversification.

The programme will not only increase local food production but also create opportunities for growth within the agricultural ecosystem, including crop and animal farming, agro-processing, and marketing.

Governor Eno's initiative sets an example for other Nigerian states and development partners. It underscores the importance of agriculture in stabilising the economy and combating food inflation. By promoting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on food imports, the Back to Farm programme could play a crucial role in stabilising food prices and creating a more secure future for Akwa Ibom State.

As this initiative unfolds, all citizens, public officials, and development partners must embrace the Back to Farm program. By doing so, we can work together to build a more resilient economy, ensure food security, and ultimately combat the inflation that has impacted so many Nigerian households.

Ekaette Okon Joseph is the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Media and writes from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

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