Nigeria’s agricultural sector, once the backbone of its economy, is now facing a critical challenge that could have dire consequences for millions. During a recent interview, Professor Ken Ife, a distinguished development economist, expressed deep concern over the country’s stagnating agricultural growth, which posted a mere 0.07% increase.
For a country with a growing population of 3% annually and an urbanization rate of 4.6%, this figure is more than just disappointing—it is alarming. “This level of stagnation in agriculture means we’re heading towards hunger,” Prof. Ife warned, his voice laden with urgency.
Agriculture is the lifeblood of many Nigerian families, especially in rural areas where the sector employs the majority of the population. However, despite its importance, it has failed to keep pace with the nation’s needs. The stagnation in agricultural growth has far-reaching implications for food security and livelihoods.
Take, for example, Hajara Musa, a mother of five from Kogi State, who struggles daily to provide enough food for her children. “I depend on farming to feed my family, but this year, we barely harvested enough to feed ourselves. Everything is expensive now, seeds, fertilizers, and even the tools we use,” she shared, reflecting the harsh reality on the ground.
Expert Opinions:
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data paints a grim picture for Nigeria’s food production capabilities. Prof. Ife, alongside other experts, stresses that while urbanisation and population growth continue to rise, the agricultural sector’s stagnation leaves a significant gap in food supply, pushing the country closer to crisis.
“Food insecurity is not just a statistic; it’s the reality for millions of Nigerians. As urban centres grow, so does the demand for food, yet our agriculture isn’t growing fast enough to meet that demand,” said Dr. Amina Ali, a food security expert with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She adds that the economic impact of this stagnation will be felt far beyond the farm, exacerbating poverty and unemployment, especially in rural areas.
Prof. Ife further notes that the challenges facing agriculture are not new—poor infrastructure, lack of access to financing for smallholder farmers, and climate change-induced disruptions have all contributed to the sector’s decline. However, he argues that the urgency of the situation demands immediate policy action.
“The time for debating is over,” Prof. Ife said. “We need targeted, sustainable policies that address the root causes of agricultural stagnation. The longer we wait, the more difficult it will be to recover.”
The Human Impact:
Beyond the numbers and policies, the human cost of agricultural stagnation is already evident. Mohammed Idris, a farmer in Adamawa State, is one of the many facing an uncertain future. “I’ve been farming for 30 years, but this year, I couldn’t even feed my family with the little I grew. The government’s support seems too far away. How long can we survive like this?” he asked.
As urbanization accelerates, rural farmers like Mohammed and Hajara face the harsh realities of an economy that is not catering to their needs. While cities like Lagos and Abuja continue to grow, the pressure on farmers to produce more with less support has never been greater.
In the face of these challenges, experts call for a paradigm shift—one that focuses on empowering farmers, improving infrastructure, and creating an environment conducive to sustainable agricultural growth.
“Only through immediate and comprehensive policy reforms can we hope to avoid a food crisis of unprecedented proportions,” said Prof. Ife, adding that it is time for both government and private sectors to invest in agriculture—not just as an economic sector, but as a critical element for national survival.
The warning from Prof. Ife and experts alike is clear: Nigeria must invest in its agricultural sector now or risk facing the consequences of widespread hunger and poverty. With a growing population and expanding urban centers, the stakes have never been higher. For millions of Nigerians, their survival may well depend on it.
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