By: Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal
Homegrown farming has always existed, but people don’t practice it intensively as many prefer a full terrace floor over a garden in their backyard.
For the first ten days of August, 2024, a nationwide protest tagged “End Bad Governance and End Hunger” erupted, expressing Nigerians’ displeasure over rising food prices.
The protest sought a reaction, and while it garnered attention, did it truly lead to a reduction in commodity prices? In Nigeria, petrol is a key determinant of living standards—when petrol prices rise, the cost of other commodities follows. In August 2024, petrol sold for ₦830 per liter, but by October, it had increased to ₦1,200 per liter. A bag of rice now costs ₦100,000, demonstrating that the reaction the protesters sought has yet to materialize.
During former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, he consistently emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace farming. Farming doesn’t necessarily have to be on a large scale or commercial level. Homegrown farming should now be the foundation of our food consumption.
In March 2024, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, reiterated the importance of Nigerians engaging in agricultural production.
Although her statement sparked debate online, beyond the fuss are Nigerians facing real hunger.
There are many reasons to promote backyard farming, with the most essential being to provide nutritional food for human consumption.
Nigeria is struggling to achieve the second goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—Zero Hunger.
With just six years left until the 2030 deadline, this goal seems unattainable as food prices continue to rise annually. While this is worrisome, the root of the issue lies in the Nigerian economy.
Of course, the government must take steps to ease life for its citizens, but the growth of a nation also depends on its people. This means citizen involvement is crucial.
As Nigerians exercise their franchise, they can work with the government to achieve the zero-hunger goal through homegrown farming, ultimately leading to food security.
Homegrown farming reduces household food expenditures. With food prices soaring, household food budgets are strained.
These expenses could be mitigated if families engaged in backyard farming. Vegetables like tomatoes, okra, and peppers are common in backyard farming, but non-perishable crops can also be planted through mixed-crop farming.
Crops like yam, maize, cassava, beans, cowpeas, and sorghum can be cultivated.
These plants serve their nutritional purpose just as well as those sold in the market. Farming is a business, and profits are necessary. Farmers aim to cover all expenses from cultivation to harvest through crop sales.
Not all food travels directly from farmers to consumers; middlemen (wholesalers and retailers) are involved, which increases prices.
There have been reports that wholesalers and retailers often hike food prices, affecting Nigerians’ cost of living.
This is avoidable if more Nigerians embrace backyard farming, reducing reliance on distributors as the sole source of food. This shift would positively impact other household expenses.
According to Nigeria Health Watch, “Nigeria loses and wastes 40% of its total food production each year. This loss accounts for 31% of the country’s total land use and 55% of its greenhouse gas emissions.” This data indicates that food loss and waste are key factors contributing to hunger in Nigeria.
Transportation plays a significant role between farms and households; sometimes, crop conveyance can take several days. Fresh produce begins to lose its nutrient value almost immediately after harvest.
Homegrown farming could address this issue. Perishable goods like vegetables don’t have a long shelf life but can easily be grown in backyards.
Food loss and waste can be minimized since families would harvest only what they can eat at a time. Additionally, decomposing food waste, such as rotten fruits and vegetables, can serve as fertilizer.
Homegrown farming thus contributes to both food security and preservation.
Because homegrown farming is on a small scale, there is no need for chemical use in cultivation or preservation after harvest.
This creates room for fresh, organic food, especially vegetables. Everyone loves fresh vegetables, but they often expect retailers to have them after several days of transport from farms.
Instead, people can cultivate and consume these vegetables as they prefer. On the other hand, traders of agricultural products often use harmful chemicals on farm produce.
For instance, “sniper” was once used to kill weevils in beans until the Ministry of Agriculture intervened. Some poultry farmers also use formaldehyde to improve the appearance of chickens for sale. These dangers can be avoided if Nigerians embrace homegrown farming.
Some Nigerians argue that homegrown farming can’t sustain them year-round, but this assertion holds no water.
While large-scale farmers play a crucial role, homegrown farming serves as a necessary complement. Nigerians should not rely solely on buying food but be part of the process of eradicating hunger through homegrown farming.