In everyday conversations across Nigeria, “farming” and “agriculture” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion about their meanings. It’s common to hear someone say they are “into agriculture” when they mean they are a farmer, or vice versa. While the two are closely related, they are not exactly the same. Understanding the difference between farming and agriculture is important, especially for students, policymakers, investors, and anyone involved in the agri-food value chain.
Although these two phrases are related, they differ in scope, intent, and economic significance. This article will clarify the distinctions between agriculture and farming, explain their contributions to Nigeria’s economy, and outline how you can get involved in this vital industry. If you’ve ever wondered about agriculture vs farming in Nigeria, you’re in the right place.
Agriculture is a broad, diverse industry. It includes forestry, aquaculture, agro-processing, biotechnology, agricultural education, and the production of crops and livestock. Agriculture encompasses more than just food production; it also involves marketing, research, economics, policymaking, logistics, journalism, and education.
Thanks to the ecosystem as a whole, food travels from farm to market and from seed to plate. As former Agriculture Minister Dr. Akinwumi Adesina correctly stated, “Agriculture is not a lifestyle… Agriculture is a commercial enterprise.” In Nigeria, agriculture is one of the most vital sectors. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector contributes around 25% of the country’s GDP and employs over 60% of the population, particularly in rural areas.
Farming is a subset of agriculture. It refers specifically to the practical act of cultivating crops or rearing animals for consumption or sale. A farmer is directly involved in hands-on agricultural production, often working on a specific piece of land or managing a particular type of livestock.
So, while agriculture includes farming, it also encompasses many other supporting activities such as:
Nigeria has various farming practices, including mechanised, mixed, commercial, and subsistence farming. Nigerian agriculture is as varied as it is essential, from the irrigated rice fields in Kebbi to the cassava plantations in Ogun. However, it frequently works in challenging environments, such as restricted financial availability, antiquated equipment, and climate change issues.
“Without the farmer, there is no agriculture. But without the system, the farmer struggles to thrive” is a general industry sentiment.
Let’s explore the major distinctions between agriculture and farming using a few important points:
Scope: Farming is focused on direct food and animal production, whereas agriculture includes everything that supports that process, from planning to distribution. A person working in an agrochemical company is part of agriculture but not necessarily a farmer.
Scale and Structure: Agriculture can operate on both micro and macro levels, involving organisations, cooperatives, government policies, and business strategies. Farming is typically more hands-on, practical, and rooted in field-level operations.
Professionals Involved: Agriculture brings together a wide range of professionals: agronomists, veterinarians, economists, marketers, engineers, and even software developers working on smart farming solutions. Farming mainly involves producers such as crop growers, livestock rearers, poultry farmers, and fish farmers.
Education and Training: Many people involved in agriculture, such as extension officers and agribusiness managers, have technical or formal education in agricultural sciences. Farming, while it can be improved by formal training, is often passed down generationally or learned through experience.
Recognising the difference between agriculture and farming can unlock more targeted and effective strategies for development. Here’s how:
Programmes can be better designed to:
Investors don’t need to limit themselves to farming. Opportunities abound in:
By showcasing agriculture as more than physical labour, we can attract young Nigerians to careers in:
Nigeria’s goal of achieving food security, youth employment, and export diversification will not happen through farming alone. We need strong, interconnected agricultural systems, which means investing in everything from supply chain logistics to rural technology and research.
The country must support farmers but also build capacity in non-farming agricultural sectors to create a vibrant, profitable, and inclusive industry.
So, is farming the same as agriculture? No. Farming is a vital part of agriculture, but agriculture is a much broader field that covers the entire journey of food, fibre, and raw materials from production to consumption. Agriculture and farming may overlap, but understanding their distinct roles is key to driving Nigeria’s development. Farming remains the backbone, but agriculture, as the overarching system, is the brain, spine, and soul of national progress.
Are you ready to explore the opportunities in Nigeria’s agricultural sector? Whether you’re interested in investing, learning, or advocating for change, there’s a place for you in this dynamic industry. Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on agriculture across the globe.
