When President Bola Tinubu assumed office, there was widespread optimism among experts. Many believed his economic policies would transform the country’s fortunes, much like his tenure as the governor of Lagos. His initial actions, such as floating the naira and removing the fuel subsidy, were seen as bold steps to address long-standing economic issues. However, there was an expectation that the savings from these measures would be redirected to subsidize essential commodities like food and electricity. Unfortunately, this did not happen, leading to a worsening food insecurity crisis.

The government missed an opportunity to empower the Ministry of Agriculture and local farmers, particularly, rice farmers, by creating a system where they could sell their produce at controlled prices. This could have been achieved by providing milling machines and ensuring the quality of locally milled rice matched that of imported varieties.

Suffice it to say, agriculture plays a vital role in ensuring food security, driving economic growth, and alleviating poverty, making it a cornerstone of any economy. In Nigeria, the importance of agriculture cannot be overstated. With a significant portion of our population residing in rural areas, agriculture serves as a primary source of livelihood for millions of Nigerians. The country’s large and growing population also creates a substantial demand for food, making agriculture a critical sector in meeting this need.

Furthermore, agriculture has the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. By developing the agricultural sector, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on oil exports, creating a more balanced and resilient economy. In essence, agriculture is essential to Nigeria’s economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction efforts, making it imperative to prioritise the development of this critical sector.

Every country subsidises something, and Nigeria should have channeled the savings from subsidy removal into agriculture. This would have involved buying produce from farmers at market prices and selling it to the public at controlled rates, at least temporarily. Such measures could have mitigated the current food crisis.

Empowering farmers and enhancing their livelihoods requires a multifaceted approach. Several key actions can significantly improve their conditions and contribute to a sustainable agricultural sector. Providing access to credit and funding is essential for farmers to invest in their businesses.

Efficient irrigation and water management systems can also greatly enhance their productivity and resilience to climate change. Ensuring fair prices and market access is critical for farmers to receive fair compensation for their produce.

The agricultural sector is currently facing numerous challenges that threaten its productivity and sustainability. These challenges include climate change, resource depletion, labour shortages, economic pressures, technological barriers, pest and disease management, and biodiversity loss. In Nigeria, different geopolitical zones face unique challenges. For instance, the South-West Zone struggles with flooding and land degradation, while the South-East Zone faces high food costs, soil erosion, and other issues. The South-South Zone deals with coastal erosion and oil spillage, which damages crops and soil quality. However, climate change stands out as a particularly pressing concern. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events can lead to crop failures, reduced yields, and changed growing seasons. Climate change also has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only agriculture but also water resources, human health, and ecosystems.To address these challenges, a combination of sustainable practices, technological innovation, and supportive policies is necessary. The government, farmers, and other stakeholders must work together to develop and implement strategies that promote sustainable agriculture, mitigate the effects of climate change, and ensure food security and sustainability.

Sustainability in agriculture is crucial for Nigeria’s future, particularly, in the face of pressing challenges like climate change and resource depletion. There is need to maintain soil health through practices like crop rotation and reduced tillage is essential for preserving soil fertility. Efficient water management, including irrigation and rainwater harvesting, is also vital for conserving this precious resource. Promoting biodiversity by cultivating diverse crops and raising varied livestock enhances ecosystem resilience, while minimising the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides protects the environment.

Again, adopting energy-efficient practices, such as using renewable energy, reduces the carbon footprint of agricultural activities. Implementing effective flood control measures is also necessary to safeguard farm produce and infrastructure. Fortunately, the Nigerian government recognizes the importance of sustainable agriculture and has launched initiatives like NALDA, TGA, and ATA. These programs focus on enhancing productivity and food security, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s sustainable development. By prioritising sustainability in agriculture, Nigeria can ensure a food-secure future, drive economic growth, and protect the environment for generations to come.

Similarly, implementing agricultural insurance and risk management strategies can protect farmers against unforeseen risks like crop failure. Promoting sustainable practices and technology can also encourage environmentally friendly methods, while reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage solutions can minimise waste.

Ejeh-Adoyikodu, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos and holder of a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Roehampton, London, wrote on the economic situation of the country, with a focus on food insecurity.

Fair trade policies are also vital to prevent exploitation and price manipulation, ensuring that farmers receive a fair deal for their hard work. While each of these areas is important, prioritising irrigation and water management can have a significant impact, particularly in regions where water scarcity is a major challenge. By addressing these critical issues, governments and stakeholders can empower farmers, enhance their livelihoods, and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Addressing climate change in farming requires a tailored approach, considering the unique challenges faced by different regions. In Nigeria, the government can adopt region-specific strategies to support farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. In the northern zones, efforts focus on mitigating the impacts of desertification and drought. This includes investing in irrigation infrastructure, developing drought-tolerant crops, and providing support services for pastoralists. In the southern zones, the emphasis shifts to managing flooding, soil fertility, and coastal erosion. Strategies include developing flood-resistant crops, promoting agroforestry, and conserving mangrove forests.

Additionally, introducing agricultural insurance programs and promoting climate-resilient crop varieties can help farmers adapt to climate-related risks. By implementing these region-specific strategies, the government can empower farmers to adapt to climate change, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure food security across Nigeria.

In conclusion, the government must tackle the root causes of food insecurity by empowering farmers and ensuring that agricultural policies are effectively implemented. This will require a coordinated effort at both the federal and state levels to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that the benefits reach those in need.

Ejeh-Adoyikodu, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos and holder of a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Roehampton, London, wrote on the economic situation of the country, with a focus on food insecurity.