Gombe, Nigeria – Dr. Musa Arab, a seasoned expert in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, has lauded the Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, for his administration’s significant investments in the construction of rural road networks.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Wednesday, Dr. Arab emphasized the critical role of well-maintained rural infrastructure in bolstering food security and driving agricultural progress within the state.
He elucidated that functional rural roads serve as indispensable arteries for agricultural development, establishing vital connections between farming communities and bustling urban markets. These links facilitate the efficient movement of agricultural produce, thereby minimizing post-harvest losses and ensuring that farmers can readily access broader consumer bases.
Dr. Arab noted that the Yahaya-led administration has demonstrably prioritized the development of rural road infrastructure, a strategic focus that has yielded tangible benefits for Gombe State’s agricultural sector. He highlighted the significant reduction in post-harvest losses experienced by farmers and the enhanced ease with which they can now transport their goods to urban centers. “The commitment to rural road construction by this administration has been truly impressive,” Dr. Arab stated, “positively transforming livelihoods and fostering substantial agricultural growth across the state.” He further underscored that robust rural infrastructure is a fundamental catalyst for increased economic activity, enhanced food production capabilities, improved market access for farmers, and an overall elevation in the welfare of rural populations.
Dr. Arab pointed out that the newly constructed and rehabilitated roads have demonstrably boosted agricultural output across various communities in Gombe State, simultaneously contributing to a marked improvement in rural living standards. He explained that the enhanced road network has led to a reduction in transportation costs, expanded access to diverse markets, and increased the availability of essential farm inputs, such as fertilizers and high-quality seeds, in previously underserved areas.
Furthermore, Dr. Arab emphasized that the improved road infrastructure has played a crucial role in raising the income levels of farmers by mitigating losses associated with transportation challenges and creating new and expanded sales opportunities, consequently contributing to a reduction in poverty within rural communities. He recalled the significant challenges faced by farmers in the past, where dilapidated road conditions severely hampered their ability to access crucial support services, essential training programs, and vital agricultural interventions located outside their immediate localities.
Looking ahead, Dr. Arab urged the Gombe State government to maintain its commendable momentum and continue investing in the construction of rural roads. He emphasized the importance of connecting even more remote communities to key markets to fully unlock the vast and untapped agricultural potential that resides within the state.
