Hunger and farming in Nigeria
By Mr. Jide Akinseye
Farming is crucial at ensuring food security, especially in our dear country Nigeria where a significant portion of the population is not inclined to agricultural practice and do not rely on agriculture for livelihood.
I could remember at some point in our national history when we were strictly into agriculture and our export earning was farm produce like cocoa, rubber, groundnuts, etc. which became the country’s main source of income and the value of the Naira was even higher than the USD.
With a rapidly growing population and increasing urbanisation, the need to strengthen the agricultural sector has never been more pressing. In this article, we will explore the importance of farming at curbing food insecurity in Nigeria and also talk about key strategies that can be implemented to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure a sustainable food supply.
Economic Contribution: Agriculture can be the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, employing a large percentage of the population and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. By investing in farming practices and supporting smallholder farmers, Nigeria can boost rural development, create employment opportunities, and improve the overall economic well-being of its citizens. We can see the present government’s policies towards agriculture which are in line with basic economic contribution.
Food Production: Farming is essential in producing the food needed to feed the growing population of Nigeria. By increasing agricultural productivity, diversifying crop production, and promoting sustainable farming practices, the country can enhance food availability, reduce food imports, and make feeding cheap and affordable by ensuring a stable food supply for Nigerians.
Poverty Alleviation: Smallholder farmers make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in Nigeria, many of whom live in poverty, supporting these farmers with access to resources like equipment, seeds, grants, adequate training, and market opportunities, can help lift them out of poverty and improve their standard of living.
Nutrition and Health: Access to nutritious food is essential for the health and well-being of the population. By promoting diverse and nutrient-rich crops through farming practices, Nigeria can address malnutrition, improve public health outcomes, and reduce the prevalence of food-related illnesses.
Climate Resilience: Agriculture is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, droughts, and floods. By implementing climate-smart farming practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and water management techniques, Nigeria can build resilience in the agricultural sector and mitigate the effects of climate change on food production.
Strategies for Enhancing Agricultural
Productivity in Nigeria:
President Bola Tinubu, recently announced the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
This new Ministry is expected to play a significant role in curbing food insecurity by modernising livestock practice in areas like cattle heading, improving productivity, conflict resolution, employment, revenue generation, enhancing nutrition such as protein intake etc., all of which I will take my time to elaborate more on in my next article.
Investment in Agricultural Research and Extension Services: By supporting research institutions and extension services, Nigeria can develop innovative farming techniques, improve crop yields, and provide farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.
Funding is majorly essential in this regard and therefore can take research to the next level thereby putting farmers in Nigeria on the same level as their globally counterparts.
Infrastructure Development: Improving rural infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities, can help farmers access markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase the efficiency of the agricultural value chain.
Access to Finance: Giving smallholder farmers access to grants, credit, insurance, and financial services can help them invest in their farms, purchase inputs, and navigate economic uncertainties.
Market Linkages: Strengthening market linkages between farmers, buyers, and retailers can help farmers secure fair prices for their produce, expand their market reach, and improve their income.
Private agricultural practice: With the increasing demand for agricultural products, owning farmland or leasing is instrumental in improving agricultural gains, it is also good to note that investing in farmland requires careful consideration and planning. Before buying farmland, one should evaluate his or her goals and assess the land’s suitability for such purposes. Factors such as soil type, water availability, and weather patterns should all be considered before purchasing farmland. One should also consult with experts to learn more about land management, farming practices and investment.
Finally, owning a land provides an opportunity to secure an appreciating asset that can generate income for years to come. By leasing land to farmers, or engaging in farm practices or raising livestock, young people can generate a stable source of income on the side.
This and many more innovations and ideas are strategies to enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
In conclusion, farming can enhance food security in Nigeria by ensuring food availability, economic development, poverty alleviation, and sustainable agriculture growth and development.
With Government and private sector investment in the agricultural sector, implementation of supportive policies like the new ministry of livestock, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, Nigeria can enhance its food security, improve the livelihoods of its citizens, and build a resilient and sustainable agricultural system for the future.
