State Adopts Bottom-Up Agricultural Model to Strengthen Food Security

In a move that sets it apart from other states across the federation, the Kogi State Government has unveiled a grassroots-driven approach to achieving sustainable food security.

The new model, described as a “bottom-up approach,” emphasizes direct engagement with farmers, identifying their specific needs, and providing tailored support to boost productivity.

Speaking on the state’s agricultural strategy, Hon. Timotoma, the Commissioner for Agricultural Security, said Kogi’s approach differs from previous models that often relied on top-down directives with little farmer input.

“What we’re doing differently in Kogi State is as simple as adopting a bottom-top model. We identify the farmers, meet them at their farms, understand their challenges, and provide the necessary support. We then monitor their progress to assess whether the interventions are yielding results,” Hon. Timotoma explained.

He noted that this system allows for continuous evaluation and adjustment. “If the approach works, we build on it. If not, we make changes. This way, we can track improvements in the livelihoods of our farmers and measure the impact of our policies,” he added.

According to the Commissioner, agriculture in Kogi is viewed not as a complex science but as a practical and deliberate endeavor that has sustained local communities for generations. The state’s focus, he said, is on improving existing subsistence farming methods through training, targeted support, and gradual integration of modern techniques.

“Farming is not rocket science. Our people have been doing it for years. What we’re doing is improving on what they already know maximizing output with the few instruments we have. Even where resources are limited, we help farmers make the most of what’s available,” he said.

Despite these strides, Hon. Timotoma acknowledged that funding remains the biggest challenge. With over 60–70% of Kogi’s estimated six million residents engaged in farming, the government’s interventions have so far reached only a small fraction.

“Last year, we supported about 10,000 farmers. This year, we increased that to 30,000, but that’s still far from the total number of farmers in the state. Funding limits how far we can go,” he noted.

He called on national and international partners to collaborate with Kogi State in expanding agricultural development, adding that the state’s vast arable land, favorable climate, and streamlined land acquisition processes make it an ideal destination for agribusiness investment.

“Kogi State has some of the best agricultural conditions in the country. We have fertile land and a favorable climate for almost any crop. Our land administration system is investor-friendly once you apply for land genuinely for farming, the process is seamless. 

However, we ensure that the land is used strictly for agriculture. If within six to seven months the land is not put to use as agreed, the allocation is revoked,” the Commissioner emphasized.