Nigeria must choose: Fix farming or face food crisis

Nigeria, a nation blessed with vast swathes of fertile land, faces a stark reality: a crumbling agricultural sector in desperate need of revitalisation. This crisis, decades in the making, has been created by recent economic and political turmoil. The consequences are dire: stagnating productivity, a widening food import gap, and a population grappling with food insecurity.

The root of this crisis can be traced back to decades of neglect, a bitter harvest sown by years of underfunding. This is a legacy of military rule, a time when the fertile ground beneath our feet wasn’t seen as a wellspring of prosperity but as an empty expanse. Furthermore, a fundamental misunderstanding has plagued our nation’s perception of agriculture. It’s not simply a way of life for rural communities; it’s the cornerstone of a thriving economy and a nation’s security. The consequences of this neglect are starkly evident in the federal budget allocation for agriculture, a mere 1-2 percent—a paltry sum that barely keeps the sector on life support.

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The situation is a cruel irony. Agriculture, the very foundation of our economy—the sector that puts food on our plates and clothes on our backs—is slowly withering away. Despite being the lion’s share of GDP, its contribution is steadily declining, a victim of its own neglect. Food imports are surging, a constant reminder of our dwindling domestic production. The most alarming symptom of this crisis is the skyrocketing food inflation rate, reaching a staggering 40.66 percent in 2024. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a gut-wrenching truth staring us in the face—a nation blessed with fertile land is struggling to feed itself.

 “Agriculture, the very foundation of our economy, the sector that puts food on our plates and clothes on our backs, is slowly withering away.”

The challenges are multifaceted. The FAO succinctly outlines them: poor land tenure systems, limited irrigation, outdated technology, and inefficient distribution networks. Low productivity is another major hurdle. Our tractor density pales in comparison to the FAO’s recommendation, hindering mechanisation and efficiency.

Nigeria has no shortage of agricultural policies. However, the missing link has always been funding. A piecemeal approach won’t suffice. We need a paradigm shift. Agriculture must be recognised as a pillar of national development, not an afterthought. Strategic investment is crucial. A supplementary budget in the short term can address immediate needs, but a long-term vision is paramount.

The government must lead the charge. Increased funding is essential, but it’s not enough. We need investment in infrastructure, research, and extension services. Streamlining input distribution and tackling post-harvest losses are urgent priorities. Public-private partnerships hold immense potential for driving innovation and creating a vibrant agricultural ecosystem.

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This crisis demands a collective response. The private sector, with its expertise and resources, can play a critical role in modernising agricultural practices and fostering commercialisation. Farmers themselves need support—access to credit, training, and technology. Empowering them is key to boosting productivity and building a resilient food system.

The time for complacency is over. Nigeria’s agricultural potential is a sleeping giant, and it’s time to break the spell. By prioritising agriculture and investing in its rejuvenation, we can unlock a future brimming with possibilities. Food security, a cornerstone of national stability, will be firmly within our grasp. Economic growth, fueled by a vibrant agricultural sector, will create jobs and lift millions out of poverty. The path to a revitalised agricultural sector is clear—a roadmap paved with strategic investment, innovation, and collaboration. Let us embark on this journey together, government, private sector, farmers, and citizens alike. By joining hands, we can transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a powerful engine driving prosperity for all.