Farmers Advocate Youth Engagement in Moringa Farming for Economic Growth

Farmers under the umbrella of Moringa Productions, Marketers, and Farmers Welfare and Empowerment Association of Nigeria have called on the Federal and State Governments to encourage youths to engage in moringa farming as a means of job creation and economic empowerment for national development.

Speaking at a media briefing in Nyanya, Abuja, on Monday, the Association’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ashimashiga Akoloaga, emphasized that moringa farming could contribute approximately $3.75 billion monthly to Nigeria’s economy if 50 million youths are supported to venture into its production. He urged the government to provide access to hectares of land and farm inputs to facilitate this process.

Dr. Akoloaga highlighted that promoting moringa farming would help address insecurity caused by youth unemployment, including banditry, kidnapping, ritual killings, and other social vices. He stressed that empowering citizens economically would reduce the need for the country to borrow funds for infrastructural development.

While underscoring the economic and health benefits of moringa, he noted that the plant serves as a raw material for pharmaceutical industries, food production, fertilizers, and animal feeds.

He further disclosed that the Association has started exporting moringa, capitalizing on the high global demand for Nigerian moringa due to its superior quality. According to him, moringa farming has huge foreign exchange potential and can also mitigate climate change and global warming through its cultivation.

To boost production and create more jobs, Akoloaga announced plans to introduce agricultural inputs, consultancy services, and equipment leasing by next year. He added that the Association provides loans to farmers at 9% interest rates and ensures the off-take of produce from its members and other farmers.

In his remarks, the Association’s Secretary-General and National Coordinator, Dr. Shuaibu Adamu, called on the government and stakeholders to support moringa cultivation as a tool for tackling youth unemployment and poverty.

Adamu also advised State Governments to avoid politicizing developmental issues, especially those impacting the welfare of citizens.

To strengthen its operations, the Association plans to organize an International Moringa Summit and conduct general elections at State, Local Government, and Ward levels to enhance its management and coordination nationwide.