Agriculture is often heralded as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, yet its vast potential remains underutilised due to systemic inefficiencies and a lack of innovation. For Dr Dominic Joshua, founder of Cultivate Africa, this untapped potential represents an opportunity for transformation. With a clear vision, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to change, Dr Joshua is reimagining what agriculture can be in Nigeria.
In this compelling narrative, Dr Joshua explores the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and presents actionable solutions that prioritise modernity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
The challenges holding Nigerian agriculture back
Dr Joshua identifies several key issues stifling the agricultural sector.
“Nigeria’s agricultural productivity is hampered by outdated practices, limited access to technology, and an underdeveloped value chain,” he explains. “Most farmers are stuck in subsistence farming, with minimal access to the tools and infrastructure that could help them scale.”
Post-harvest losses remain a critical problem, with insufficient storage facilities and poor transport networks leading to wasted produce. Furthermore, the country continues to export raw agricultural goods while importing processed versions, a dynamic that undermines local farmers and drains the economy.
Modernising farming practices: The role of technology
Dr Joshua believes that modernising farming is the first step in addressing these issues.
“Mechanisation and technology are game-changers,” he states. “Affordable tractors, automated irrigation systems, and drones for crop monitoring can transform the way we farm. These tools not only improve productivity but also reduce the physical burden on farmers.”
In addition to mechanisation, Dr. Joshua advocates for climate-smart agriculture, which integrates sustainable practices to improve soil health and adapt to climate change.
“Our farmers need education on practices like crop rotation, organic fertilisers, and efficient water usage,” he emphasises. “Sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s about ensuring long-term profitability for farmers.”
From farming to processing: Unlocking the value chain
For Dr Joshua, the real value of agriculture lies in processing, a critical but underdeveloped area in Nigeria.
“It’s time for us to stop exporting raw produce and start creating value-added products,” he asserts. “Cassava can become starch or ethanol, and tomatoes can be turned into paste. This is where real economic growth happens—through agro-processing.”
He calls for investments in rural processing facilities to empower farmers to process their produce locally. This shift would not only reduce waste but also create jobs, enhance local economies, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global markets.
Policy support and financial inclusion
Dr Joshua stresses the importance of policy reform and financial access in driving agricultural transformation.
“Farmers need affordable financing,” he says. “High interest rates and complex loan requirements make it nearly impossible for smallholder farmers to access credit. We need government-backed credit schemes and partnerships with financial institutions to make funding more accessible.”
Improved rural infrastructure—such as roads, power, and storage facilities—must also be a priority to enable efficient farming, processing, and distribution.
Youth engagement: The future of agriculture
With Nigeria’s youth making up a significant portion of the population, Dr. Joshua sees them as pivotal to agriculture’s future.
“Young people bring innovation, energy, and fresh perspectives,” he notes. “But we need to make agriculture appealing to them by providing the right support—educational programs, startup grants, and mentorship opportunities.”
Dr Joshua also envisions technology hubs focused on agritech innovation, where young entrepreneurs can develop solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges.
Dr Dominic Joshua’s call to action
Reflecting on Nigeria’s agricultural potential, Dr Joshua remains optimistic yet pragmatic.
“The challenges are significant, but they’re not insurmountable,” he says. “What we need is a collective effort—farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and private sector players working together to create a system that rewards innovation and resilience.”
His organisation, Cultivate Africa, is already driving change through farmer training programs, partnerships with agritech startups, and advocacy for policy reforms.
The road ahead
Dr Joshua’s insights provide a roadmap for transforming Nigerian agriculture into a sustainable, profitable, and globally competitive sector.
“Agriculture is more than a means of survival—it’s a pathway to prosperity,” he says. “By modernising our practices, investing in processing, and empowering farmers, we can build an agricultural system that benefits everyone.”
This vision is not just a dream; it’s a blueprint for action. Dr Joshua’s call to arms challenges stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to step up and play their part in securing a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria.
Dr Dominic Joshua’s perspective offers hope and clarity in an industry brimming with potential. His approach is not only transformative but also deeply rooted in a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion—a combination that promises to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria for generations to come.
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