How agriculture can help grow the Naira
By Jide Akinseye
Agriculture holds significant potential to boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. As one of the most populous countries in Africa with a rich endowment of agricultural resources, it is no news that Nigeria cannot only meet its own food needs but can also become a major player in global agricultural markets. Here are several ways in which agriculture can help us increase our foreign exchange earnings:
Export of our Cash Crops: As an Exporter of crops like cocoa, groundnuts, palm oil, and rubber, renvesting in these sectors and improving yields through modern agricultural techniques can significantly up Nigeria’s production and exports. Also, diversifying into other lucrative crops like cashews, sesame seeds, and horticultural products can open new markets, in other words the government can look into ways and means in which an average farmer can grow in capacity thereby giving room for export.
Value Addition: By processing agricultural products locally, we can add value before exporting. For example, instead of exporting raw cocoa beans, we can process them into finished or semi-finished products like chocolate or cocoa butter which can fetch higher prices at the international market. This also creates jobs locally and stimulates the domestic economy.
Organic and Non-GMO Products: there is a growing demand globally for organic and non-genetically modified (non-GMO) products. Nigeria can capitalize on this trend by promoting organic farming practices and certifying organic products as it has vast and arable land that can be leveraged on, in its ever growing need for organic products, which will generally sell at a premium in international markets.
Agro-Tourism: tourism combined with agriculture can be another source of foreign exchange. Tourists are attracted to farm experiences, where they are close to nature, and the farm gives them a better perception of that experience, they also learn about local farming practices and participate in activities like fruit picking and rural stays. This generates direct income and promotes other sectors like hospitality and transportation.
Government Policies and Incentives: Effective government policies can play a crucial role in boosting agricultural exports. A very good example is the present government’s exceptional agricultural policies which I believe will impact the economy positively in the near future. Policies such as providing subsidies, improving access to finance for farmers, investing in agricultural research and development, and negotiating favorable trade agreements with other countries, have meaningful impacts in agricultural growth and development.
Infrastructural development: Investment in critical infrastructure such as access roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems can reduce post-harvest losses and improve the overall quality of agricultural products. Efficient logistics are crucial for maintaining the quality of exports and reducing costs.
Technology and agriculture: Leveraging on the use of technology such as precision agriculture, drones, and agricultural apps can help increase farm productivity and management. Better production techniques can also lead to higher yields and quality, making Nigerian agricultural products more competitive globally.
Sustainability Practices: Implementing sustainable farming practices that help preserve the environment and also appeal to a global audience that is increasingly sensitive to the environmental impacts of agriculture is also essential in the growth of the sector. Minimal use of chemicals, better water management, and soil conservation techniques are some of the essential techniques.
Now that we have discussed export and foreign exchange let us come back home and talk about how we can feed ourselves before talking of export.
Agro-Education and Youth Involvement: The present government should endeavor not to make the mistake of underestimating youth involvement in its policy of revamping the sector. The present administration therefore should avoid the mistakes of not putting in place a succession plan. In the 70s the then government invested massively in the agriculture sector, however, the sector experienced a decline along the way, which we are paying for now. Youth empowerment, and agro- education is therefore essential in this regard.
Encouraging more young people to engage in agriculture through education, incentives, and modernization of the sector can rejuvenate the agricultural workforce. Innovative educational programs that combine technology and practical farming skills can make agriculture more appealing to the youths.
Agro-Processing Zones: Establishing Agro-Processing Zones in designated regions where agricultural processing and production can be enhanced can help reduce post-harvest losses, add value to raw agricultural products, and attract private investment. These zones can be equipped with necessary infrastructure, such as steady electricity supply, water, and logistics, to encourage local and foreign investment.
By focusing on these areas, Nigeria can enhance its agricultural productivity, increase exports, and boost its foreign exchange earnings and the sector can contribute significantly to economic growth and stability.
