The pathway for Nigeria´s agriculture to sustainability
Nigeria, officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is situated on the western coast of Africa, positioned between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south in the Atlantic Ocean. Encompassing an area of approximately 923,769 square kilometers, it boasts a population exceeding 230 million people, making it not only the most populous country in Africa but also the sixth-most populous globally. Nigeria shares its borders with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin Republic.
The country exhibits a diverse geography characterized by varying climates that transition from dry to rainy seasons. Nigeria is home to a multitude of languages, with prominent ones including Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Hausa, Edo, Ibibio, Tiv, and English. The capital city of Nigeria is Abuja.
Agriculture encompasses the cultivation of land, the raising and rearing of animals for human consumption, animal feed, and raw materials for industries. It includes activities such as cropping, livestock farming, forestry management, fishing, as well as the processing and marketing of agricultural products. Agriculture can be categorized into crop production, livestock farming, forestry, and fishing.
Agriculture is a vital sector in Nigeria's economy after crude oil. It serves as a primary source of livelihood for many Nigerians. Recent data indicates that approximately 70% of households engage in crop farming, with 41% involved in livestock ownership or raising. Notably, rural areas exhibit higher participation rates in agricultural pursuits compared to urban areas.
The agricultural landscape in Nigeria predominantly revolves around the cultivation and processing of key crops such as cocoa, palm oil, corn, rice, cassava (tapioca), yam, groundnut, and beans. Among Nigerian households, maize and cassava stand out as the most rampant crops, cultivated by nearly 50% of households.
While a significant portion of these agricultural products is consumed domestically, some are exported. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) is the primary governmental body overseeing agricultural affairs in Nigeria.
However, Nigerian farmers face several difficulties in their industry, such as a lack of assistance from pertinent government departments, a shortage of Grants and funding, a lack of funding for project execution, and a lack of credit availability for smallholder farmers to make investments. The Northern Nigerian states are the most productive in the country; however, many groups refuse to work there due to fears of political unrest and violence. Disparities in religion and culture can sometimes hinder the smooth implementation of initiatives. Despite some farmers beginning to adopt sustainable natural resource management principles, the adoption has been inconsistent and often inadequate. Farmers also struggle with the financial resources required to maintain their operations, construct farmhouses, and provide adequate storage systems. The Integrity of the nation's agricultural industry is under threat due to recent variations in average temperature, rainfall patterns, climate change, increased Pest infestations, and related diseases.
Natural resources like soil, water, biodiversity, vegetation cover, climate, renewable energy sources, and ecosystem services are essential to the sustainability of society and the environment, which is essential to life as we know it. The structure and operation of agricultural systems depend on these resources. Global agricultural development has traditionally placed more emphasis on productivity increase than on the integrated commercial production of food with sustainable natural resource management. A comprehensive, system-focused approach is necessary to ensure improved economic stability and long-term food security across Nigeria's different ecologies, regions, and cultures.
As a student studying sustainable coastal management, recognizing the Interconnection between land, ocean, and environment is of great importance. Understanding the link between agriculture and coastal management is particularly significant in Nigeria due to agriculture's significant role as an economic driver. This blog aims to shed light on how sustainable farming practices can enhance agriculture in Nigeria and transition it towards sustainability.
Nigeria may make strategic investments to safeguard agricultural communities and livelihoods that have been essential for generations by reevaluating farming practices with a focus on sustainability. This change can contribute to the establishment of a resilient and sustainable food-producing industry. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) are working to foster sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria through the provision of high-quality farming inputs, the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, and the promotion of agriculture as a viable socio-economic opportunity for sustainable livelihoods and rural employment among vulnerable farmers, women, and youth in each region.
In Nigeria's Northern and Middle Belt, smallholder farmers are being assisted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in developing their farming skills and methods locally.
The writer is currently an intern in Novia's project NorNa - Nordic Natural Fibres in Circular Economy. The project is funded by The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland.