Empty plates and rising prices: Can Nigeria find a way out of the food crisis?

Across Nigeria, silence has replaced the sounds of farmers working their land. Once-lush fields are now bare earth, a grim reminder of the hunger facing many Nigerians. This is not a story but it is now the harsh reality for millions. Our agriculture sector, the foundation of our food security, is in crisis. Farmers, who have been the backbone of our nation for generations, face challenges that threaten their way of life and the hope of their communities.

Fear and frustration grip our hearts. As farmers, we’re the ones tilling the soil, nurturing the crops, yet violence steals our land and forces us to flee. Even those who manage to stay face a new enemy: a lack of proper storage facilities. Our harvests rot because there’s simply nowhere safe to keep them.

“Farmers, who have been the backbone of our nation for generations, face challenges that threaten their way of life and the hope of their communities.”

Kabiru Ibrahim, the head of our national farmers’ association, speaks for all of us when he demands better. We need reliable transportation networks and storage solutions. Imagine the difference it would make! Less food wasted means more food on everyone’s plate, and that, in turn, means lower prices at the market.

The truth is, we are losing a staggering amount—experts say 60 percent—of our potential harvest. This lost harvest represents more than just missed opportunities; it is food that could nourish families, fuel our economy, and pave the way for a brighter future. Let us consider the impact of this loss: children going hungry, markets missing out on fresh produce, and local economies suffering due to decreased agricultural output. But our government seems focused elsewhere, distracted by other priorities while the backbone of our sustenance weakens.

Read also: Nigeria’s food crisis and the looming human catastrophe

The need for investment is critical, not just in the act of production but in the entire agricultural chain—from the moment seeds are planted to the time food reaches our tables. Infrastructure improvements, better storage facilities, advanced farming techniques, and effective distribution networks are all essential components that require immediate attention and funding. Without a comprehensive approach, we risk perpetuating this cycle of loss and neglect, undermining the very foundation of our nation’s well-being.

The world is embracing technology to boost harvests. Tractors, drones, and even AI are changing the game. But here in Nigeria, we’re stuck with outdated methods. We need long-term investments in these areas, alongside a reliable transportation system to move our produce efficiently.

Financing is another hurdle. Without proper access to loans and market information, we’re stuck in a cycle of high prices and low profits. Food inflation is skyrocketing, pushing families deeper into poverty.

Positively, there is a way out of this mess, but it requires a targeted approach. Let’s focus on the most critical food items and tackle the challenges they face head-on. This strategic approach can make a real difference in people’s lives.

The human cost of this crisis is devastating. Farmers like myself are being displaced, our dreams of feeding the nation withering alongside our crops. The government needs to hear our pleas.

Security and infrastructure – those are the keys to unlocking a food-secure future for Nigeria’s 200 million people. For generations, Nigerian farmers have been the backbone of this nation. We can’t let this legacy crumble.

Let’s work together. To a large extent, this is not just about farmers but it is about ensuring every Nigerian family has access to safe, affordable food. By working hand-in-hand, we can ensure our breadbasket not only survives but becomes a symbol of national resilience.