The Coronavirus COVID-19 was discovered in Wuhan China late December 2019. Since the discovery of this deadly virus a lot of controversial issue have surrounded the aetiology of the disease which unfortunately had been said from medical findings not to be Airborne but a virus transmitted through "respiratory droplets and contact routes" from coughs and sneezes and doesn't seem to linger in the air.


The first case of Coronavirus was confirmed in Nigeria on February 28th, 2020 and between February and April 1st, the giant of Africa; Nigeria has confirmed 179 cases with 9 Discharged and 2 Deaths from the perilous pandemic.


In the quest of reducing the spreads of COVID-19, the President Muhammad Buhari and some State Governors quickly declared 14 days partial or total lockdown in various states. Thus, the measure put in place by the federal and state governments have allowed Nigerians to remain indoors except "essential" workers.


Although, attempts have been made by the policy makers to exclude several people from the list, however this is limited to paper work or better still to the privileged ones who have the means and clearance to talk to the law enforcement agents who are upholding the proclamation.


Owing to the widespread of COVID-19 that has necessitated total or partial lockdown, our Agricultural system and food security machineries have not for once envisaged or prepared for eventualities like this. This is evident in the panic buying observed amongst our country men and also the sharp increase in price of food commodities is also a pointer to how unprepared the farmers and farming system is.


The situation therefore calls for a holistic approach in the Agricultural sector, especially the logistic, marketing, aggregating, access to raw materials etc and also the clearance, support, direction etc., especially with the planting season in view. Though, a lot of farmers in the next few weeks may not be able to operate maximally due to challenges such as getting to their farms conveniently, those who are able to get there won't find it easy to transport goods or connect with staff owing to the fear of harassment or embarrasment from security personnel due to lack of concrete or proper documentation or identification process/procedure amongst other reasons.

Truly, a critical situation requires critical strategies and It is therefore important for the Agricultural sector to work on the following as a country so that Nigerians won't experience hardship and challenges in the Agricultural sector in trying period like this.


On that note, the following are illustrative and practical solutions to the threat towards food and security at this tough time:
1. A robust database for farmers so as to ease identification and movement.

2. Dedicated security apparatus/ Departments should be established by the police, army and other security agencies specifically for farmers so as to ensure smooth farm operations during times like this.

3. Serious reduction in the loan facilitation process especially in emergencies such as this. It will enable farmers access to money to ensure continuous production so that there won't be shortage of food.

4. Government should take food banks and reserves as means to an end so that trying times like this, there will be less burden on countrymen as the Government can sell at regulated price.

5. Farm Clusters, selling clusters, marketing clusters and other value chains should be established, strengthened and fortified.

6. Logistics firms should start delving more into agriculture and also designate a part of their operations towards this sector.

7. Farmers should belong to Farm associations in their locality and have a valid means of identification in this regards.

8. Government should empower Agricultural Associations, groups and bodies so as to be able to function maximally during periods like this.

9. Special waivers like the one given to Mile 12 International market should be arranged, signed and done possibly with legislative backing with reputable markets so that they can function maximally during times like this.

10. Federal, States, Local Governments Departments and Agencies of Agriculture should be fully on ground and manage the activities of farmers and farm produce providing them with relevant clearance and support in trying times like this.

It is evident that we are really not prepared Agriculturally for a lockdown like this, this will manifest post lockdown days, however the efforts put in place will determine how severe the impact will be. It is therefore important that policy makers, stakeholders at all stages of the value chain of Agriculture put all hands on deck to ensure that after we must have successfully combated Covid-19, we won't face another great disease that has no classification "hunger" which may manifest by shortage/scarcity of food, increase in price etc,.


Samson Lawal is a Public Speaker, Entrepreneur, Farmer, Writer and also the Osun State Program Director/Coordinator for Nigerian Youth Chamber of Commerce (NYCC)
08142857392, 07056754409.