Attaining food security through sustainable irrigation agriculture

Nigeria presently has an irrigation potential of about 3.4 million hectares (ha) and 162 irrigation dams with a total storage capacity of 11 billion cubic meters, sufficient to irrigate 725,000ha, according to information from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWR&S).

But most are still underutilized as only 350,000ha, consisting of the publicly (federal, states) and privately-owned or a combination of both, have been developed. Over 178,000 hectares out of the total developed land area have been publicly developed, representing only about 5.2 peer cent of the total potential irrigable land area.

There are about 323 irrigation schemes which are public, private or jointly owned. The publicly developed land area has only 68 per cent of its size cultivated or cropped with about 3,560,000 jobs added directly or indirectly to the employment pool of the nation.

Nigeria, as a country, faces significant challenges in ensuring food security due to its heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The erratic nature of rainfall and its impact on crop production has led to inconsistent yields and contributes to the country’s food insecurity. To address this issue, there is a critical need to develop and promote irrigated farming as a sustainable solution to enhance food production and achieve national food security.

Irrigated farming offers several advantages over rain-fed agriculture. By utilising water resources for crop production, it provides reliable supply, enabling farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of rainfall patterns. This stability in production leads to increased yields and ensures consistent food supply, thereby reducing the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate variability.

Furthermore, the development of irrigated agriculture can lead to increased agricultural productivity, diversification of crops, and the creation of employment opportunities in rural areas. Additionally, it can foster economic growth, reduce rural-urban migration, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, contributing to poverty reduction and overall national development.

While the potential benefits of irrigated agriculture are significant, there are challenges that need to be addressed to realise its full potential in Nigeria. These challenges include inadequate infrastructure for water storage and distribution, limited access to funding and technology, and the need for capacity building among farmers and other stakeholders.

To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to invest in the development of irrigation infrastructure, including dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems, to expand access to water for irrigated agricultural purposes. Also, the promotion of sustainable water management practices and the adoption of modern irrigation technologies can improve water use efficiency and minimise wastage.

Access to finance (funding) and technology is another critical aspect that requires attention. Financial support in the form of loans, grants, and subsidies can enable farmers to invest in irrigation equipment and infrastructure.

Moreover, capacity building initiatives, including training programmes and knowledge transfer, can empower farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to adopt best practices in irrigated agriculture.

The development and promotion of irrigated agriculture require supportive policies and institutional frameworks to create an enabling environment for stakeholders. This involves the formulation of clear and coherent policies that facilitate investment in irrigation infrastructure, provide incentives for farmers, and ensure sustainable water management practices.

Furthermore, institutional support is essential to coordinate efforts among government agencies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations, and private sector actors. Collaboration and partnerships among these entities can facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and the implementation of sustainable irrigation initiatives.

Creating awareness about the benefits of irrigated agriculture is crucial to encourage its adoption by farmers and other stakeholders. This can be achieved through targeted promotion campaigns, extension services, and farmer education programmes that highlight the advantages of irrigation in achieving enhanced food production and food security.

Moreover, showcasing successful case studies and demonstration of irrigated agriculture can inspire and motivate farmers to embrace these practices. Leveraging traditional and digital media platforms can also amplify the message and reach a wider audience, fostering a positive perception of irrigated agriculture as a viable means to enhance food security in Nigeria.

Promoting irrigated agriculture is pivotal in addressing the challenges of food insecurity in Nigeria. By investing in irrigation infrastructure, improving access to finance and technology, and creating supportive policies and institutional frameworks, the country can unlock the potential of irrigated agriculture to significantly boost food production and achieve national food security. This shift from over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture to a more diversified and resilient agricultural system holds the key to ensuring a stable and sustainable food supply for Nigeria’s growing population.

The Federal ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation through the DID is championing efforts and commitments channeled towards irrigation development by increasing irrigable area, building of irrigation infrastructure and strengthening capacity to manage irrigation water effectively, which are all essential components of water resources development for the attainment of food security. These efforts require huge financial implications and, therefore, demand commensurate financial support and commitment.

Sustainable Irrigated agricultural development and efficient water management through the establishment and strengthening of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) on irrigation schemes are needed to ensure food security for Nigeria’s over 200 million population and to improve resilience in the sector.
Ochela wrote from Abuja