The Akwa Ibom State government is repositioning agriculture from subsistence farming into a major driver of food security, employment, and wealth creation. Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, stated this during an interaction with journalists in Uyo, reviewing the administration's performance in the agricultural sector. According to her, Governor Umo Eno's administration has introduced interventions and leveraged donor-supported programs to strengthen agricultural production and improve farmers' livelihoods.
Agriculture remains central to Akwa Ibom's economy, with a predominantly agrarian population engaging in farming activities such as cassava, vegetables, oil palm, and cocoa production. However, challenges like poor rural roads, limited access to farm machinery and inputs, and post-harvest losses have affected farmers' productivity and market access. The commissioner noted that sustained government investment is necessary to increase production, improve market access, and create opportunities for rural communities.
To address these challenges, the government has introduced initiatives like the Back to Farm and Home Farm programs, encouraging households to cultivate food crops for domestic consumption and generate additional income. The commissioner explained that these initiatives aim to promote self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on market purchases. She also mentioned the Equipment Leasing Company, which provides tractors and farm implements at a 50% subsidy to farmers.
The government is supporting the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a World Bank-assisted program, through counterpart funding to improve rural feeder roads. The project has earmarked 486 roads across 31 local government areas, aiming to provide farmers with easy market access, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve livelihoods. An 11-kilometer market junction road in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area has already been commissioned under the program.
Through the Food Systems Resilience Programme and AK-CARES, farmers have received improved fingerlings, poultry, goats, and sheep, as well as cassava cuttings, fertilizers, and herbicides. Over 16,000 beneficiaries have received input support under AK-CARES, while over 150 rural roads have been graded and 81 wet markets rehabilitated with toilet facilities and slaughter slabs to improve hygiene in meat markets.
The state has also launched the Tree Crop Revolution Programme, focusing on oil palm and cocoa production. Over 620,000 oil palm seedlings will be shared with 1,700 oil palm farmers across 31 LGAs, while more than 250,000 cocoa seedlings were distributed to over 3,000 farmers in 2025. The commissioner added that the state is tracing the origin of cocoa beans produced in Akwa Ibom to ensure proper recognition of its produce quality.
The government is establishing a 50-hectare Model Farm as a flagship integrated agricultural project, combining crop and livestock production, with plans to replicate the model across the state's senatorial districts. These interventions aim to make agriculture more productive and attractive while creating sustainable economic opportunities for residents.
Key points
- Akwa Ibom State government is repositioning agriculture to drive food security, employment, and wealth creation.
- The government has introduced initiatives like the Back to Farm and Home Farm programs to promote self-sufficiency.
- Over 16,000 beneficiaries have received input support under AK-CARES.
