The Nigerian agricultural sector has made gradual but significant progress in recent years. Key factors contributing to this improvement include the enhanced use of technology and a focus on value addition in agricultural practices.
Despite facing a pressing food insecurity crisis, the sector’s ongoing shift towards sustainable agriculture holds the potential to position Nigeria as a leading player in global food production.
Let’s examine some of these developments in more detail.
An increasing number of farmers in Nigeria are adopting different types of machinery, such as tractors, planters, and harvesters, to enhance their agricultural productivity. This shift has greatly improved the production of key crops, including rice, maise, cassava, and millet. Machines enable farmers to work more efficiently, ultimately reducing labour costs and increasing overall output.
Programs like the Anchor Borrowers’ Program (ABP) in Nigeria provide small farmers with funds to buy modern farming equipment at single-digit interest rates. This support boosts productivity and helps farmers grow more food to meet the increasing demand. The Federal and local governments have also begun to invest in tractors. In 2018, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture signed an agreement for the supply of 10,000 tractors over the space of five years.
There has been a shift toward intensive and sustainable livestock systems in animal farming. While poultry farming remains dominant, aquaculture rapidly expands due to its high profitability and ability to meet protein demands. Dairy farming is also gaining attention, with investments in milk production and processing facilities increasing. Nigeria is establishing itself as the largest fish producer in Sub-Saharan Africa by adopting a feed management strategy that makes fisheries and aquaculture a fast-growing subsector.
The focus on value addition transforms crop and animal farming in Nigeria. Farmers are now engaging in post-harvest processing to cut losses and simultaneously boost income. For example, cassava is being processed into flour and starch for export, while egg powder production has gained traction to address cyclical egg gluts. The rise of agro-processing companies has also seen the packaging of milk and beef into high-value versions.
Modern agriculture has seen a significant shift with the adoption of technology. Farmers now use mobile applications, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT)solutions to improve their operations. These innovative tools help them monitor crop health, track weather conditions, and evaluate soil quality in real time. With accurate and timely data, farmers can make informed decisions, boost productivity, and cultivate healthier crops.
What intriguing trends have you observed in recent times? We invite you to share your insights and thoughts in the comments below. Your contributions could spark engaging discussions.
