Land can make or break your farm. In Nigeria, it’s one of the biggest reasons new farmers struggle or quit. Before you buy seeds or rent a tractor, take these eight things into cognisance:
Land tenure and ownership documents: Is the land free from family, community, or government dispute?
In many areas, land is held under customary law. Always get proper documentation, Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, or Governor’s Consent. Do due diligence with a lawyer and the Lands Registry. Farming on disputed land means you can lose everything after two seasons.
Location and accessibility: Can trucks reach your farm in rainy season? Consider proximity to roads, markets, processing plants, and input dealers. Bad roads and rains would lead to post-harvest losses. Also, check distance to water sources and power, if you plan irrigation or cold storage.
Soil type and fertility: Not every land grows every crop. Do a soil test before you commit. Check soil acidity or alkalinity, organic matter, drainage, and nutrient levels. For example, sandy soil is good for cassava and groundnut. Clay-loam is better for maize, rice, and vegetables. Soil testing saves you from spending millions on fertiliser for the wrong land.
Topography and drainage: Is the land flood-prone or erosion-prone?. Avoid lowlands that get waterlogged during peak rains unless you’re doing rice. Avoid steep slopes that will erode. Look for gentle slopes with good natural drainage. You can also plan ridges, drains, and terraces.
Water availability: Rain-fed alone is risky. Check for borehole potential, rivers, streams, or dams nearby. With climate change, irrigation is becoming non-negotiable for year-round farming. Also check, if community rules allow you to abstract water.
Size and scalability: Start with what you can manage, but think ahead. Two hectares is enough to start a commercial vegetable or poultry feed crop. 10 plus hectares, makes sense for mechanised maize, soybean, or sesame. Ask: Can I expand this land later? Is there room to add processing or storage?
Security: Insecurity has become a major farm cost. Some regions have higher risks of farm invasions, cattle grazing, or theft. Talk to locals, community leaders, and other farmers before you buy or lease. Cluster farming and proximity to other farms can improve safety.
Cost structure: Buy vs lease vs partnership: Buying outright is expensive. Many young farmers start with three to five-year lease agreements or out-grower partnerships with landowners. This reduces capital pressure.
Factor in land preparation cost, fencing, and clearing.
Sometimes, cheap land ends up costing more to develop.
Quick rule of thumb: Before you sign anything, ask three questions:
i. Legal: Can I prove this land is mine to use for five plus, years?
ii. Agronomi: Will my target crop thrive here with minimal input?
iii. Economic: Can I get inputs in and produce out profitably?
Land is not just soil, it’s your factory, your biggest asset, and your biggest risk. Get it right, and the rest of your agribusiness becomes easier.
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