The recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is a most welcome decision which ought to have been taken long before now by the immediate-past administration of Muhammadu Buhari. Food scarcity in Nigeria was imminent, and only a matter of time and long coming, due largely as a result of the heightened and incessant attacks on farmers by bandits and frequent clashes between herders and farmers which had characterised Nigeria in the last two decades, spanning from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration to Buhari’s.
The declaration of a state of emergency on food security is only the first step in the right direction, which has been lauded by all and sundry. It is only the basic on which a lot of thinking and policies have to be put in place, and implemented, in order to bridge the yawning gap of food insecurity in the country.
There is no need for the Nigerian government to try to reinvent the wheel on food sufficiency, as the largest food producing countries in the world, China, India, and the United States, have, many years ago, already put in place best practices in agriculture and food production. All that Nigeria needs to do is to learn from these countries and make minor adjustments to suit the local environment. These countries have achieved food sufficiency through various policies, programmes and strategies.
China is the largest food producing country in the world. It has achieved food sufficiency through a combination of factors such as agricultural reforms, technological advancements, and government policies. China has implemented modern farming techniques, improved irrigation systems, and increased the use of fertilisers and pesticides. The government has also provided subsidies, loans, and support to farmers, encouraging them to increase production. Additionally, China has invested in research and development to improve crop yields, and introduced high-yielding crop varieties.
India is the second-largest food producing country globally. It has achieved food sufficiency through the Green Revolution, which began in the 1960s, which is similar to what the Obasanjo military regime tried to mimic through the Operation Feed the Nation in the 1970s. But due to frequent changes in government, there was no continuity in government policy. The Green Revolution involved the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation systems, and increased use of fertilisers and pesticides. This led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity and helped India become self-sufficient in food production. The government has also implemented various policies and programmes to support farmers, such as providing subsidies, credit facilities, and agricultural extension services.
The United States is one of the largest food producing countries due to its vast agricultural land, advanced technology, and efficient farming practices. The country has achieved food sufficiency through mechanisation, precision agriculture, and biotechnology. The use of machinery and advanced equipment has increased productivity and efficiency in farming operations. The United States also invests heavily in research and development, leading to the development of genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the country has a well-developed infrastructure for storage, transportation, and distribution of food, ensuring a steady supply.
For Nigeria to become a major food producer like China, the US, and India, President Bola Tinubu and his advisers (economic, agricultural and rural development) should first focus on improving agricultural infrastructure. Nigeria should invest in modernising its agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, transportation networks, and processing plants. This will help increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the overall efficiency of the agricultural sector.
Secondly, the current administration must increase investment in research and development. Nigeria should allocate more resources to agricultural research and development to enhance crop yields, develop drought-resistant varieties, and improve farming techniques. This will help farmers adopt modern practices and technologies, leading to increased productivity and better quality produce.
Thirdly, mechanisation and modern farming techniques must be promoted. Encouraging the use of modern machinery and equipment, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems can significantly boost agricultural productivity. The government can provide subsidies or loans to farmers to facilitate the adoption of mechanisation and promotion of efficient farming practices.
Fourthly, access to credit and finance must be enhanced. Access to affordable credit is crucial for farmers to invest in modern farming techniques, purchase quality inputs, and expand their operations. The government and financial institutions should develop tailored financial products and services for farmers, including microfinance schemes, to ensure easy access to credit.
Fifthly, the Tinubu administration should strengthen farmers’ education and extension services. Providing farmers with training and education on modern farming techniques, crop management, and post-harvest practices is essential. Extension services should be expanded to reach more farmers, providing them with up-to-date information, guidance, and technical support.
Sixthly, private sector participation must be encouraged. The government should create an enabling environment to attract private sector investments in agriculture. This can be done through tax incentives, land reforms, and streamlined regulations. Public-private partnerships can also be established to leverage private sector expertise and resources for agricultural development.
Seventhly, the government should improve market access and value chain integration. Nigeria should focus on developing efficient market linkages, both domestically and internationally. This includes building storage and processing facilities, establishing farmer cooperatives, and promoting contract farming. Strengthening value chains will ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
Eighthly, agricultural policies and governance must be improved. The government should develop and implement comprehensive agricultural policies that address the needs of smallholder farmers, promote sustainable practices, and ensure food security. Good governance, transparency, and accountability in the agricultural sector are crucial for attracting investments and fostering growth.
Ninthly, Nigeria should diversify its agricultural production by promoting the cultivation of a wide range of crops and livestock. This will reduce dependence on a few commodities and enhance resilience to climate change and market fluctuations.
Tenthly, the government should invest in agro-processing and value addition. Encouraging agro-processing industries will help Nigeria move up the value chain and increase the value of its agricultural exports rather than just exporting raw products like cocoa, cashew nuts, sesame seeds and other agricultural products without value addition. This will create employment opportunities, increase income for farmers, and contribute to economic growth.
By implementing these strategies, Nigeria, being the largest African economy, as per GDP, can enhance its agricultural productivity, improve food security, and become a major food producer, like any other food producing countries in the world. And Nigeria could also feed the region and export its products to the developed economies.
Overall, Nigeria can achieve food sufficiency through a combination of factors such as technological advancements, government support, research and development, and efficient farming practices.
Iroche is 2022/2024 Senior Academic Visitor at the African Studies Centre, University of Oxford
