FAO Delivers Crucial Farm Inputs to 210,000 Conflict-Affected Farmers in North-East

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has commenced a significant intervention, distributing essential agricultural resources like seedlings, animal feed, and fertilizers to approximately 210,000 farmers grappling with the aftermath of conflict in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The initiative officially began on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

During the launch event, Dr. Hussein Gadain, the FAO Nigeria Country Director, emphasized that this aid goes beyond merely addressing immediate food shortages. He stated it would empower affected families to cultivate their own food, generate income, and restore their livelihoods with dignity. Dr. Gadain noted, "These interventions will benefit 30,000 households, approximately 210,000 people, across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, with particular attention to recently relocated households and communities recovering from conflict."

He further detailed that the intervention, made possible through funding from the governments of Norway, Switzerland, and Japan, includes 163 metric tonnes of improved cereal, legume, and vegetable seeds, alongside 238 metric tonnes of NPK fertilizer. Other crucial items being distributed are 375 metric tonnes of livestock feed, 118,000 poultry pullets, 3,000 goats, and 116 metric tonnes of Tom Brown fortified food.

Dr. Gadain also highlighted FAO's commitment to long-term sustainability beyond emergency provisions. He explained, "Beyond these emergency agriculture input distributions, FAO continues to invest in longer-term solutions that improve agricultural productivity and resilience, such as the establishment of irrigation cluster farms, solar-powered irrigation systems, aquaculture and Tom Brown production centres, dairy and fodder production facilities, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices that enable farmers to produce throughout the year."

The Country Director underscored the urgency of this intervention, citing years of conflict that have exacerbated the region's existing challenges. He referenced the May 2026 Cadre Harmonisé Projection Update, which forecasts that 36.29 million people across 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to face severe food and nutrition insecurity during the June–August 2026 lean season. The situation is particularly dire in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, where an estimated 6.38 million individuals are projected to be in CH Phase 3 or worse.

"As you are aware, this crisis is driven by multiple and overlapping challenges, including protracted conflict and insecurity, climate-related shocks, displacement, rising food prices and broader economic pressures," Dr. Gadain stressed.

Expressing gratitude to the Borno State Government, Dr. Gadain reaffirmed FAO's dedication to fostering resilient livelihoods and sustainable economic growth across the BAY states. He also acknowledged the continued support from partner governments: "We also extend our gratitude to our resource partners—the governments of Norway, Switzerland and Japan—for their continued confidence in FAO and their investment in restoring livelihoods and strengthening food security in Northeast Nigeria. As we officially launch the 2026 rainy season input distribution, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring that every farming household has the opportunity not only to recover but to thrive."

In response, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, lauded FAO for its timely assistance and encouraged farmers to commence planting. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, the governor reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to ensuring food security within the state. He remarked, "The workings between FAO and the Borno State Government have been very close. We are encouraging our farmers to go out and plant so that we can get food to eat. Two things His Excellency has been doing under his administration are to make sure our farmers have resilience and are self-reliant. The second is to make sure that food security is guaranteed."