OPINION: Agriculture and Rural Development: Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei’s Vision for Adamawa

By Jacob Joseph Kwaya

attention is increasingly turning to policy ideas that address the economic realities of the state.

Agriculture and rural development, which remain the backbone of Adamawa’s economy, have featured prominently in the agenda of Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adamawa State is largely agrarian, with a significant percentage of its population residing in rural communities and depending on farming and livestock for livelihood.

However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, low mechanisation, limited access to finance and post-harvest losses have continued to limit the sector’s contribution to economic growth.

Dr. Girei has consistently argued that addressing these gaps is critical to achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty across the state.

According to the APC aspirant, his agricultural blueprint, if elected in 2027, would focus on transitioning farming from subsistence to a more productive and market-oriented system.

This would involve increased support for small holder farmers through improved access to farm inputs, modern equipment and extension services aimed at boosting yields and efficiency.

Rural infrastructure development also occupies a central place in Dr. Girei’s vision.

He has emphasised the need for improved rural road networks to ease the transportation of farm produce, as well as the expansion of irrigation facilities to reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall.

He believes that better infrastructure would not only improve agricultural productivity but also enhance access to markets and social services in rural areas.

In addressing youth unemployment, Dr. Girei views agriculture as a viable avenue for job creation and economic inclusion.

His proposals include encouraging youth participation in agribusiness, supporting skills acquisition programmes and promoting value addition through processing and storage facilities.

Women, who play a vital role in agricultural production, are also expected to benefit from targeted empowerment and access-to-finance initiatives.

The aspirant has further highlighted the importance of strengthening agricultural value chains by fostering partnerships between farmers, cooperatives, processors and the private sector.

Such collaboration, he argues, would help reduce post-harvest losses, stabilise prices and improve farmers’ incomes.

On sustainability, Dr. Girei has underscored the need for climate-resilient farming practices, noting the growing impact of climate change on food production.

He supports the adoption of environmentally sustainable agricultural methods that protect natural resources while ensuring food security.

As the 2027 election approaches, his policy focus has added substance to the ongoing debate on how best to harness the state’s agricultural potential for inclusive growth and rural prosperity.