A key to unlocking sustainable Food Security, Economic Diversification, and Rural Development
Christian C. Madubuko, PhD.
Nigeria is a country with immense agricultural potential, blessed with a favourable climate and abundant arable land. However, the agricultural sector has been grappling with numerous challenges, including food insecurity, poverty, and limited economic growth. The country’s reliance on oil exports has led to a significant dependence on imports, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations and environmental degradation.
Before discovery of crude oil in Oloibiri in 1956, agriculture had been the major source of Nigeria’s export which had assured the country of a brighter future. However, easy money from oil economy with its abundant corruption turned the country’s attention off agriculture. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of agriculture in promoting food security, generating employment opportunities, and reducing poverty. This article highlights the importance of revitalizing agricultural farm settlements as a key to unlocking sustainable food security, economic diversification, and rural development in Nigeria.
Background
Nigeria’s agricultural sector has historically been a key driver of the economy, but it has not lived up to its full potential. The sector’s contribution to GDP has been declining over the years, from 41.5% in 1980 to 22.3% in 2019 (World Bank, 2020). The decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including soil degradation, lack of modern technology, lack of government attention and commitment to agriculture, and inadequate infrastructure. The consequences are far-reaching, with millions of Nigerians relying on subsistence farming and struggling to access nutritious food.
The oil sector, which accounts for over 90% of Nigeria’s exports, has been the primary driver of the economy since the 1970s. However, the price volatility of oil has exposed the country’s vulnerability to external shocks. The country’s dependence on oil imports has also contributed to environmental degradation and pollution. In recent years, there have been efforts to diversify the economy, but progress has been slow.
The State of Agricultural Farm Settlements in Nigeria
Nigeria’s agricultural sector has been characterized by low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to credit and market facilities. This has resulted in low yields, high post-harvest losses, and limited access to markets for small-scale farmers. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the agricultural sector accounts for about 24% of Nigeria’s GDP, but it contributes only about 10% to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. This stark reality underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to revitalizing agricultural farm settlements across Nigeria.
The Potential of Agricultural Farm Settlements
Agricultural farm settlements have been identified as a key strategy for revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. These settlements are designed to bring together small-scale farmers under a single umbrella, providing them with access to resources, markets, and technical support. The settlements can be in areas with suitable climate conditions and fertile soil, allowing farmers to take advantage of Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential.
There are several benefits associated with agricultural farm settlements:
Food Security: By increasing crop yields and improving post-harvest handling and storage facilities, agricultural farm settlements can ensure a steady supply of fresh produce to local markets, reducing reliance on imports.
Job Creation: The settlements can generate employment opportunities for thousands of farmers, Agro-entrepreneurs, and labourers, contributing to poverty reduction.
Economic Diversification: Agricultural farm settlements can help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on oil exports by generating alternative revenue streams from agricultural products.
Environmental Sustainability: By adopting sustainable farming practices and using organic fertilizers and pesticides, agricultural farm settlements can promote environmental sustainability.
Rural Development: Revitalized farm settlements can create employment opportunities for thousands of farmers and Agro-entrepreneurs, reducing poverty and promoting rural development.
Improved Livelihoods: Revitalized farm settlements can improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers by increasing their incomes and improving their living standards.
Challenges and Opportunities
Small-scale farmers are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, accounting for about 80% of total agricultural production. However, they face numerous challenges that hinder their productivity and profitability. Despite the potential benefits of agricultural farm settlements, several challenges need to be addressed.
Access to Credit: Small-scale farmers often lack access to credit facilities, making it difficult for them to invest in their farms.
Market Access: Farmers face challenges in accessing markets due to inadequate transportation infrastructure and middlemen who exploit them.
Climate Change: Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural production in Nigeria, necessitating the adoption of climate-resilient practices.
Land Tenure: Conflicting land tenure systems and inadequate land registration have led to disputes over land ownership and usage. To overcome these challenges, the government and private sector can collaborate on initiatives such as:
Farm Mechanization: Providing mechanized equipment and training for farmers can improve efficiency and productivity as well as competitiveness among small-scale farmers.
Limited Access to Credit: Small-scale farmers have limited access to credit facilities, which hinders their ability to invest in inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Access to credit facilities can help them invest in their farm.
Inadequate Market Facilities: Small-scale farmers lack access to market facilities, making it difficult for them to sell their produce at competitive prices.
Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promoting climate-resilient practices such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry can help farmers adapt to climate change.
Land Reform: Implementing land reform policies can help resolve land tenure issues and promote peaceful coexistence.
Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and storage facilities as well as irrigation systems can improve the transportation and storage of farm produce.
Agricultural Extension Services: Strengthening agricultural extension services can improve the skills and knowledge of small-scale farmers.
Case Studies
Several successful agricultural farm settlements have been established across Nigeria, showcasing their potential:
Ogun State Farm Settlements: Established in 2017, the Ogun State Farm Settlements have enabled over 5,000 small-scale farmers to access credit facilities, mechanized equipment, and market linkages.
Rice Farm Settlements in Jigawa State: The Jigawa State Rice Farm Settlements have increased rice production by 50% using improved seeds and irrigation systems.
Cassava Farm Settlements in Anambra State: The Anambra State Cassava Farm Settlements have increased cassava production by 30% using disease-resistant varieties and improved farming practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, revitalizing agricultural farm settlements across Nigeria holds immense potential for promoting food security, diversifying the economy, and reducing poverty. By addressing the challenges associated with access to credit, market access, climate change, and land tenure, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The recommendations outlined in this article provide a roadmap for achieving these goals. It is essential for the government, private sector, and farmers to work together to implement these recommendations and create a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.
In conclusion, revitalizing agricultural farm settlements across Nigeria is critical for achieving sustainable food security and diversifying the economy away from oil dependence. By providing access to credit facilities, improving market linkages, promoting climate-resilient practices, and resolving land tenure issues, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Recommendations
Develop a National Agricultural Policy: The government should develop a national agricultural policy that prioritizes small-scale farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture practices by establishing a comprehensive policy framework for revitalizing agricultural farm settlements across Nigeria.
Establish Agricultural Development Banks: The government should establish agricultural development banks that provide credit facilities for small-scale farmers.
Promote Market Development Initiatives: Market development initiatives should be supported to improve market access for farmers.
Invest in Climate-Smart Agriculture: Investments should be made in climate-resilient practices such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry.
Implement Land Reform Policies: Land reform policies should be implemented to resolve land tenure issues.
The government should invest in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and irrigation systems to improve the transportation and storage of farm produce.
The government should promote climate-resilient agriculture practices through training programs and incentives for farmers.
The government should promote mechanization through the provision of machinery and equipment to small-scale farmers.
By implementing these recommendations, Nigeria can revitalize its agricultural sector, promote food security, diversify its economy, and reduce poverty.
References
World Bank (2020). Nigeria Agricultural Sector Overview.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (2020). Nigerian Agricultural Policy.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (2020). Rural Poverty Reduction through Agriculture Development.
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (2020). Climate-Smart Agriculture in Africa.
National Bureau of Statistics (2020). Agricultural Sector Report.
African Development Bank (2020). Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) (2020). Agricultural Sector Report.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) (2020). Nigerian Agricultural Policy.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) (2020). Rural Poverty Reduction through Agriculture Development.
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2020). Climate-Smart Agriculture in Africa.
World Bank (2020). Agriculture Sector Review.
Dr. Christian C. Madubuko – a Political & Diplomatic Historian, is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of History & International Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, & a researcher at LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia. Madubuko was a former Anambra Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce as well as the Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism. He was also the Executive Director of Operations, Anambra Internal Revenue Service. He writes from Canberra – The Australian Capital Territory, ACT. Mobile/WhatsApp: +2348162527884
E-mail: ogbekingdom@gmail.com
