Nigerian Farmers Launch Digital ID and Database to Strengthen Food Security and Access to Support
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has introduced a groundbreaking digital identity card and database platform to properly register and verify its members nationwide. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, is aimed at solving long-standing challenges of poor documentation, weak representation, and limited access to agricultural support. According to AFAN, the move will give farmers a stronger voice in policy-making while ensuring that support from government and private partners reaches only genuine farmers.
To further protect farmers’ interests, AFAN also inaugurated an advisory board made up of professionals with experience across various business sectors and organizations. National president Dr. Farouk Rabiu-Mudi explained that this board will engage directly with government agencies and development partners on behalf of farmers. He stressed that despite making up nearly 70% of Nigeria’s population, farmers remain underrepresented and often voiceless in national decision-making.
The newly launched digital ID cards will serve as proof of membership and ensure data remains controlled by commodity associations. This means that if organizations or donors want to support a particular crop sector, such as maize farmers, the assistance will be verified and coordinated through the commodity leaders. AFAN has also set up a dedicated helpline where farmers can report issues ranging from access to inputs to market exploitation, with complaints directed to the appropriate authorities for resolution.
Adeyemo Ayooluwa, head of operations at Grotechnologies and consultant on the project, revealed that the digital platform will also help farmers gain access to loans and agricultural support programs, especially from the Bank of Agriculture. Recognizing that many rural farmers lack digital literacy, AFAN has deployed trained agents across different states to help farmers—including those who are illiterate—register and benefit from the system. This, stakeholders say, will reduce the exploitation of farmers by middlemen and ensure inclusivity.
Meanwhile, leaders in commodity associations have welcomed the initiative but warned about inconsistent government policies. The president of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Sunday Obiora, praised efforts to reduce feed and chicken costs but cautioned that policies encouraging food importation, particularly rice, could discourage local farmers and cause financial losses. With the digital database in place, AFAN believes Nigeria is taking a significant step toward strengthening food security, improving farmer welfare, and ensuring that agricultural policies are guided by accurate data.
source: leadership