Feyisayo Popoola
Experts have stressed the need for immediate reform of some obsolete policies and implementation of programmes that can develop the business of agriculture in Nigeria.
They spoke at a recent roundtable event in Abuja tagged ‘Enabling the Business of Agriculture’.
While sharing the 2017 Enabling the Business of Agriculture report with Civil Society groups at the forum, the Programme Manager, Enabling the Business of Agriculture, World Bank, Mr. Farbod Youssefi, called on civil society to disseminate the report in order to activate reforms in the agricultural sector.
He stated that since 2013, the World Bank had conducted research and collected data on laws and policies regulating agriculture in over 62 countries.
He said a well-developed agricultural sector would not only improve the economy but ensure food security.
The Coordinator, Academics Stand Against Poverty, West Africa, Mr. Oluwaseun Olanrewaju, stressed the need for government to create an enabling environment for the business of agriculture to develop.
He said the government should maximise their strength as change agents, to shape public policy towards reforming the sector.
According to him, the event seeks to consolidate the efforts of government and stakeholders in the industry to diversify the economy.
Olanrewaju said the event was aimed at creating collaborations between civil society groups and development agencies towards ensuring that the business of agriculture in Nigeria was supported through effective regulatory practices, implementation of policies, efficient monitoring, quality control as well as research and advocacy.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
