Agriculturalist advocates increased inter-Africa trade relations to develop agriculture


An agriculturalist, Mr Adebayo Ashaolu, on Thursday called for increased inter-trade relationship among African countries to unlock the continent’s agricultural potential and develop the sector.

Ashaolu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Adaash Farms, Oko, Kwara, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) consultant said increased inter-relationship in the continent would also avail farmers improved access to global market and provide large scale and medium farmers with incentive for greater investment and returns.

According to him, the inter-relationship will also empower farmers with market price information that will enable them improve on price discovery, price negotiation and reduction in post harvest losses.

He said over 1.3 billion metric tonnes of food were being wasted globally every year.

“Sub Sahara Africa losses 4 billion dollars worth of grains annually, which is enough to feed close to 50 million people.

“Rural food waste and urban scarcity cannot lead to economic prosperity.

“We need to increase the inter-trade relationship of African countries,’’ he said.

Ashaolu also called for modification in the way agriculture was being taught in schools in the country.

He suggested the introduction of Agropreneurship 101 as part of the agriculture course in various tertiary institutions.

The farmer said such intervention became necessary to involve the youth in agriculture transformation through “agri-preneurship’’ and ensure the desired transformation in the sector.


“Such intervention will also help to arouse the interest of female students in aligning with their male counterparts in embracing agriculture as a course, profession and vocation,’’ he said.

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