Nigeria depends heavily on smallholder farmers who produce about 80% of the country’s food. Yet, many farmers still use unsustainable methods such as slash-and-burn cultivation, overuse of synthetic fertilisers, deforestation, and excessive pesticide application. These practices degrade soil health, reduce biodiversity, pollute water sources, and contribute to climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the UNCCD (2019), about 23.41% of Nigeria’s land suffers from various erosion and fertility loss levels, with soil degradation reaching as high as 700 metric tonnes per hectare in some regions. These issues have reduced productivity, increased food insecurity, and caused long-term environmental damage.
With nearly 25 million Nigerians at risk of hunger (UNICEF, 2023), it is clear that current agricultural methods are not sustainable. To ensure future food security and protect our environment, the government must drive the shift towards sustainable farming practices.
Sustainable agriculture is crucial for achieving food security, public health, and national prosperity. When people are well-nourished, children can learn better, adults can work productively, and societies thrive. Government interventions to make this possible are
Encouraging safe agricultural practices for sustainability is vital to help restore soil health and improve yields. These sustainable practices include minimum tillage, organic fertiliser use, and agroforestry. Research has shown that SAPs improve both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.
Existing government subsidies could be redirected from outdated or harmful practices toward inclusive and sustainable ones. Repurposing these policies does not mean eliminating them; rather, it means reforming them for greater impact and equity.
Many food products, especially perishables like vegetables, dairy, and fish, spoil due to poor storage and handling. By strengthening post-harvest systems, the government would reduce losses, increase food availability, and improve farmer incomes.
Government policies should promote farming systems that align with local agro-ecological realities, considering soil, water, climate, household needs, and market access. This tailored approach ensures efficient and resilient farming.
The Nigerian government must integrate climate-smart strategies such as improved crop varieties, water conservation tools, mechanisation, and resilient livestock breeds to adapt to climate risks. Support from international partners can also help meet Nigeria’s climate goals.
Government support could also include improved seeds, safe pest management, and modern post-harvest technologies. These would reduce environmental harm and increase productivity.
Another way the government support would be useful is through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. The agency could deliver timely updates on weather and market trends to help farmers plan and protect their income. This data reduces vulnerability to price shocks and climate events.
Despite committing to spend 10% of its budget on agriculture under the 2003 Maputo Declaration, Nigeria consistently allocates less than 2% to agriculture. It is crucial and would be instrumental if the Nigerian government embarks on a realistic upward review of the allocation implementation. This would launch the country into a season of sustainable transformation.
Many once-effective agricultural agencies have become inactive due to neglect. To ensure sustainable farming practices, the government should revitalise relevant institutions to restore essential support systems and drive innovation in the sector.
Government-funded institutions like CRIN, NIHORT, IITA, NIFOR and FRIN play key roles in crop and livestock development. Their innovations must be translated into practical benefits for farmers.
These institutions must be empowered with funding and resources. Their findings should be communicated clearly and swiftly to farmers via training, partnerships, and community outreach.
Fertiliser application should not be based on guesswork. Similar to medical diagnosis, soil testing is essential for identifying nutrient deficiencies. The government should encourage programmes like the Africa Soil Information System (AfSIS) to guide fertiliser use. These programmes work by providing data-driven recommendations, improving yields and reducing waste.
With just 7,000 extension agents for 16 million farms, Nigeria lacks the manpower to guide farmers in modern practices. Ethiopia, by comparison, reaches 70% of its farms. Expanding and linking extension services with research institutions will bridge the knowledge gap among Nigerian agriculturists.
Strict plant quarantine regulations prevent the entry of foreign pests and diseases that could devastate local agriculture.
Financial incentives can support organic farming, land rehabilitation, and conservation practices. For example, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems help reduce chemical use while preserving yields.
The government can encourage environmentally conscious farming by building roads, linking farmers to urban markets, and offering sustainability-linked incentives.
Single-digit interest loans should be made available to farmers adopting sustainable techniques. Partnerships with banks and microfinance institutions will ensure widespread access to such funds.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector stands at a crossroads. The government must take charge of sustainability to ensure long-term food security, economic development, and environmental preservation. Sustainable agriculture can become a reality through innovative policies, increased investment, and strategic partnerships.
