What's Happening?
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State is focusing on agriculture as a key strategy to restore peace and rebuild the economy, which has been affected by decades of violence. A state-appointed Fact-Finding Committee reported that 420 communities were attacked, resulting in nearly 12,000 deaths over two decades. The governor plans to implement the committee's recommendations and submit the report to President Bola Tinubu and national security agencies. Mutfwang emphasizes agriculture as the backbone of the state's prosperity agenda, aiming to revitalize farmlands, support farmers with technology, and develop value chains. Partnerships with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the revival of BARC Farms are part of the strategy. The administration is also prioritizing irrigation schemes and infrastructure improvements to support agricultural commerce.
Why It's Important?
The initiative to revive agriculture in Plateau State is crucial for economic renewal and peace-building. By focusing on agriculture, the state aims to provide alternatives to conflict and restore confidence among its residents. The strategy includes improving infrastructure, such as rural roads and storage facilities, to enhance market access and reduce post-harvest losses. The recruitment of 1,000 youths into Operation Rainbow, a community-based security outfit, is intended to provide early warning and rapid response in rural areas. These efforts are expected to strengthen the state's comparative advantage in meat production and position it as a national food basket, offering hope to residents weary of conflict.
What's Next?
Governor Mutfwang plans to implement the Fact-Finding Committee's recommendations and submit the report to national authorities for a durable solution to the violence. The administration is investing in infrastructure critical to agricultural commerce, including rural road rehabilitation and the construction of a modern central market in Jos. The government is also grooming a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs by cutting tuition fees for Plateau indigenes and retooling technical colleges to teach agribusiness and modern animal husbandry. These measures aim to sustain growth and ensure agriculture is seen as profitable.
Beyond the Headlines
The revival of agriculture in Plateau State has deeper implications for peace-building and economic diversification. By addressing security challenges and investing in infrastructure, the state aims to create a secure environment for farmers and reduce dependence on erratic rainfall. The initiative also seeks to empower young people by making agriculture a viable career option, thereby fostering a new era of peace, prosperity, and productivity.
