Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces a growing food security crisis. Despite having over 70 million hectares of arable land, the country struggles with rising food prices, declining productivity, and worsening climate conditions. As the population is expected to exceed 400 million by 2050, experts warn that Nigeria must urgently adopt sustainable farming practices to avoid widespread hunger.
Why is Nigeria’s food security at risk?
Several factors contribute to Nigeria’s food crisis:
- Climate change and erratic weather patterns
Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and desertification have made farming increasingly difficult. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that over 350,000 hectares of land are lost to desertification annually in northern Nigeria. Farmers who once relied on seasonal rains now face crop failures and declining yields.
- Land degradation and soil infertility
Decades of deforestation, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices have stripped the land of nutrients. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Statesestimates that over 60% of Nigeria’s soil suffers from severe degradation, making it less productive for farming. Without intervention, soil depletion will continue to reduce crop output:
- Insecurity and farmer displacement
Armed conflicts, banditry, and farmer-herder clashes have forced many rural farmers to abandon their land. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that insecurity in agricultural regions has reduced food production by over 30% in the past five years. With farmers unable to cultivate their land, food shortages and inflation worsen.
- Post-harvest losses and poor storage facilities
Nigeria loses an estimated 40% of its food production due to inadequate storage, poor transportation, and weak market access. This translates into millions of tonnes of wasted food annually. The lack of cold storage and processing facilities means that perishable crops such as tomatoes, onions, and yams rot before reaching consumers.
The role of sustainable farming in addressing the crisis
Sustainable farming practices offer a viable solution to Nigeria’s food security challenges. By improving soil health, conserving water, and reducing dependency on synthetic inputs, farmers can increase productivity while protecting the environment.
Agroecological techniques such as composting, crop rotation, and integrated pest management can boost soil fertility without depleting natural resources. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) found that organic farming methods increased maize yields by 25% in trials conducted across southwestern Nigeria.
- Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)
Adopting climate-smart practices can help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions. Techniques such as drought-resistant crop varieties, water-efficient irrigation, and cover cropping improve resilience against climate shocks. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is currently investing US$200 million in CSA projects across Nigeria, aiming to support smallholder farmers.
- Precision agriculture and technology adoption
The use of digital tools such as satellite mapping, mobile weather forecasting, and AI-powered soil analysis can help farmers make data-driven decisions. In Kenya, farmers using mobile agritech solutions reported a 30% increase in crop yields. If widely adopted in Nigeria, precision agriculture could significantly enhance food production.
- Government policies and investment in agriculture
To achieve food security, Nigeria must prioritise investment in agriculture. Policies should focus on:
In 2023, the Nigerian government launched the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) to modernise the sector. However, experts argue that implementation must be faster and more transparent to make a real impact.
A path forward
Nigeria’s food security challenges are urgent, but practical solutions exist. By embracing sustainable agriculture, modern technology, and better policies, the country can move towards a future where food is abundant and accessible for all. The critical question remains: Will Nigeria take the necessary steps to secure its food future before it is too late?
