Agriculture has long served as a backbone of Nigeria’s economy, providing food, jobs, and raw materials for industries, but, however, there are numerous challenges that hinder its growth and potential. In a country blessed with fertile land and abundant human resources, why is agriculture still underperforming?
One of the most pressing issues is lack of access to modern technology and equipment, as many Nigerian farmers still rely on outdated tools like hoes and cutlasses, which limit productivity. Mechanised farming is expensive and often left out of reach for smallholder farmers, who dominate the sector and other major challenge is poor infrastructure, bad roads, inadequate storage facilities, and limited access to markets make it difficult for farmers to transport and sell their produce. Inconsistent government policies also affect the sector, while there are programmes and initiatives to support agriculture, they are often short-lived or poorly implemented. Corruption and lack of transparency in fund disbursement mean that support rarely reaches those, who need it most and access to credit, is another barrier, as most farmers do not have collateral or formal records to qualify for loans and without access to funds, they cannot expand their farms, buy quality seeds, or invest in irrigation and fertilizers.
Climate change and insecurity are also growing threats, as unpredictable weather patterns, drought, and flooding disrupt planting and harvesting seasons. In the northern part of the country, armed conflicts and banditry have forced many farmers to abandon their lands, leading to food shortages. Lastly, there’s the negative perception among youths that agriculture is often seen as a poor man’s job or a last resort, as this mindset has led to a lack of youth participation in the sector. Therefore, to unlock agriculture’s full potential, Nigeria must address these challenges with long-term solutions investing in infrastructure, ensuring fair access to loans, improving policy implementation, and changing the narrative around farming. Agriculture is not just about survival, it is about sustainability, economic growth, and national pride. We must accord this sector the pride it deserves.
