In a significant discourse on agricultural challenges in Nigeria, Prof. Felix Ugese, the Director of Teaching and Research Farms at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, has highlighted the alarming post-harvest losses that are costing the country approximately $9 billion annually. This revelation was made during the Agroween Festival 2024, which focused on the theme “Unlocking Agricultural Potential for Economic Growth.” Prof. Ugese emphasized that the high level of post-harvest loss, now amounting to over 50% of agricultural output, is a critical issue that must be addressed to enable Nigeria to secure its economic and food future. He noted that countries on the African continent collectively experience an average post-harvest loss of around $4 billion per year, underlining the urgency for Nigeria to adopt strategies that would significantly reduce these losses.
To combat the mounting issue of food scarcity, Prof. Ugese called for robust measures aimed at achieving food security, particularly with Nigeria’s population predicted to reach 400 million by 2025. He warned that without immediate action, the existing food supply will be inadequate to meet the needs of this rapidly growing population, resulting in increased hunger levels. Currently ranked 110th out of 127 in the global hunger index, Nigeria is already contending with approximately 25 million individuals requiring food assistance. Projections indicate a rise to 33 million people needing such assistance by next year if the situation remains unchanged. The dire prediction emphasizes the need for an urgent and comprehensive response to the prevailing food insecurity challenges in the nation.
Prof. Ugese urged the government to partner with the private sector to forge solutions to the food crises and suggested that policy improvements could facilitate easier access to affordable financing for farmers. He pointed out the critical need for a higher ratio of extension workers to farmers, which is currently disproportionately low in Nigeria compared to other African nations. In Nigeria, the staggering ratio stands at one extension agent for every 10,000 farmers, in stark contrast to the more favorable 1,200-to-1 ratio seen in other countries. By enhancing this ratio, farmers could receive better guidance, access resources, and ultimately, improve agricultural productivity.
In this spirit of innovation and collaboration, Dr. Ibtaheem Abdul, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, emphasized the importance of leveraging the agricultural sector as a means to combat food insecurity in Nigeria. He commended the partnership between the Intergenerational Rescue Foundation and Yabatech for their commitment to fostering innovation within the agricultural sphere. Dr. Abdul pointed out that pursuing transformative ideas and challenging the status quo is crucial to garnering different outcomes. Instead of adhering to traditional methods, he urged stakeholders to explore out-of-the-box solutions that could lead to significant advancements in agricultural practices and economic growth.
Moreover, the collaboration between academic institutions and organizations like the Intergenerational Rescue Foundation aims to stimulate innovative opportunities in agriculture, while also focusing on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. The emphasis on consolidating revenue streams and attracting funding at both national and international levels reflects a broader understanding of the complexities surrounding agricultural sustainability and economic development. By fostering strategic partnerships that drive research and development, Nigeria can enhance its capacity to tackle the intertwined challenges of food production, economic growth, and social development.
In conclusion, addressing Nigeria’s post-harvest losses and food insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses government intervention, private sector collaboration, and a commitment to innovation. The insights shared by Prof. Ugese and Dr. Abdul at the Agroween Festival illuminate the significant economic and social potential lying within the agricultural sector. If stakeholders can embrace innovative strategies, support from relevant research and development, and necessary policy reforms, Nigeria has the potential to not only mitigate food scarcity but also catalyze broader economic growth and improved food security for its burgeoning population.
