Horticulture: A Catalyst for Food Security, Economic Growth, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Nigeria’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with horticulture emerging as a powerful engine for food security, economic diversification, and sustainable development. The HortiNigeria program, a collaborative initiative funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by a consortium of international development organizations, has demonstrated the immense potential of this sector to drive positive change across multiple dimensions. From boosting crop yields and farmer incomes to empowering women and creating youth employment, horticulture’s impact is becoming increasingly evident across the country. The program’s achievements underscore the critical role of strategic partnerships, enabling policies, and targeted investments in unlocking the full potential of this vital sector.
The HortiNigeria program, implemented across Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo states, has showcased remarkable results. A staggering 93% increase in crop yields and a 205% surge in farmer incomes have been recorded, directly impacting the livelihoods of over 76,000 trained farmers. Significantly, the program exceeded its initial targets for women and youth participation, solidifying horticulture’s role as a catalyst for social inclusion and economic empowerment. Furthermore, the program has fostered entrepreneurial growth by supporting nearly 900 horticulture-related micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), equipping them with essential skills in agricultural practices, financial literacy, and business management. This has facilitated access to over €4.1 million in finance, leading to the creation of 477 new businesses and jobs, with a significant 70% of these opportunities seized by young people.
Beyond its economic impact, HortiNigeria has addressed critical challenges within the horticultural value chain. Post-harvest losses, a major constraint to agricultural productivity, have been dramatically reduced by 83%. The program’s innovative approach to infrastructure development, including the provision of over 23,000 plastic crates to the Mile 12 Market in Lagos, has enhanced the handling and transportation of tomatoes, a key horticultural product. Pilot projects involving solar-powered irrigation systems have further strengthened the resilience of farmers against the adverse effects of climate change. The program has also championed crucial policy reforms in areas such as seed production, tomato value chain development, and organic agriculture, alongside the introduction of innovative credit-risk guarantees to facilitate farmer access to finance.
Despite these significant achievements, challenges persist. Rising input costs, the escalating impacts of climate change, insecurity, and land conflicts continue to pose threats to the sustainable growth of the horticulture sector. However, the successes of HortiNigeria offer a compelling narrative of resilience and demonstrate that with strategic partnerships, supportive policies, and targeted investments, these obstacles can be overcome. The program’s experience serves as a valuable blueprint for scaling up interventions and mainstreaming horticulture into national development agendas.
The Netherlands, a global leader in agricultural innovation and the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. Recognizing Nigeria’s vast potential, given its population and resource base, the Netherlands is keen to collaborate with the Nigerian government to elevate horticulture from a sector with immense potential to one that drives widespread prosperity. This partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in fostering sustainable agricultural development and promoting global food security.
Key stakeholders within the Nigerian government have emphasized the need to integrate horticulture into the nation’s long-term development strategy. The sector’s significant contributions to job creation, improved nutrition, and enhanced trade opportunities make it a critical driver of economic growth and social well-being. The lessons learned from the HortiNigeria program must be scaled up and sustained beyond the program’s lifespan to ensure lasting impact. State governments, including Oyo and Ogun, have also expressed their commitment to leveraging horticulture for economic transformation and empowering local communities. They recognize the sector’s potential to create jobs, enhance food security, and drive inclusive growth, particularly for women and youth.
Moving forward, the focus shifts from aid-driven interventions to establishing a thriving trade environment within the horticulture sector. Experts believe that Nigeria has the capacity to double its horticultural exports by 2030 through strategic investments in innovation, climate-smart agricultural practices, and greenhouse technologies. With increasing consumer demand for fresh produce, proven strategies for reducing post-harvest losses and raising farmer incomes, and strengthened international partnerships, horticulture offers a clear pathway for Nigeria to achieve food security, economic diversification, and sustainable development goals. The HortiNigeria program serves as a testament to the transformative power of horticulture and provides a compelling roadmap for future interventions in this vital sector.
