Nigerians have been consistently lamenting the increase in food prices. Food, a basic necessity of life, plays a crucial role in determining the standard and cost of living.
The inflation rate, once an economics jargon, has now become a common topic of discussion in Nigeria as it reflects whether the country’s economy is improving. In September, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose for the first time in three months, jumping from 32.2% in August to 32.7%. This increase, though seemingly small, has greatly affected Nigerians’ purchasing power.
The underlying causes of this inflation include a struggling economy, fuel price hikes, food inflation, the naira’s devaluation, and foreign debt.
Food inflation specifically rose from 37.5% to 37.8% in September, significantly contributing to the overall inflation rate.
One of the key reasons for this rise is the flooding that occurred in food-producing areas, particularly in Borno state. The overflow of the Alau Dam, exacerbated by poor management and lack of accountability, led to loss of lives and property.
The floods severely disrupted farming and livestock activities, with devastating effects such as the loss of over 1 billion naira worth of tomatoes. Fishermen who relied on the Alau Dam for their livelihood were also affected, unable to provide for their families during the flooding.
Although the declining economy is often blamed for rising food prices, it is important to recognize that other factors, such as oil prices, transportation costs, weather, animal diseases, fertilizer prices, and bureaucratic inefficiencies, also play a role.
According to the African Development Bank’s Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compact, 90% of agriculture in West Africa depends solely on rain. This highlights Nigeria’s relatively low level of irrigation, making farming highly seasonal.
When crops are in season, prices tend to be lower, but once the season ends, prices rise significantly. For instance, lime is harvested between June and August, during which time a bag sells for 500 naira. Outside this season, the price increases.
One solution to mitigate food price hikes is irrigation. By controlling water supply to crops during the dry season, irrigation could enable year-round farming, balancing the supply of agricultural products and stabilizing prices.
The northern part of Nigeria, where most farming occurs during the dry season, would especially benefit from improved irrigation. The government can partner with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) to partially finance irrigation projects and educate farmers on the use of alternative water sources such as boreholes, wells, and streams. This would empower farmers to grow crops year-round, reducing food prices.
Farm settlements in Nigeria began when Obafemi Awolowo’s Western Regional Government launched a five-year development plan (1955–1960), inspired by Israel’s agricultural development scheme, Moshav.
This led to the establishment of 20 farm settlements and five institutes, including the well-known Akufo, Sawonjo, and Ado-odo farm settlements. Initially, each settler was given 10 acres to farm, but today, only 2 to 3 acres are being utilized per settler.
This underutilization of farmland contributes to food shortages and price hikes. The original purpose of these settlements was to promote rural development and prevent urban migration.
However, today they are mostly occupied by older farmers, and the challenges they face include paying high land fees and lack of government intervention.
The government should provide interest-free loans to these farmers and improve infrastructure, such as roads leading to the settlements.
Poultry and fish farming, which are often rejected in residential areas due to odor, could be integrated into these settlements. These measures would lead to long-term food security and sufficiency.
Climate change is another major challenge affecting Nigeria’s food production. It impacts crop cycles, water supply, food production, and even sea levels.
For example, Lake Chad, which spans across Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, is shrinking, affecting the vegetation and livelihoods in the region. To mitigate this, the Nigerian government can collaborate with neighboring countries to implement sustainable water management practices, promote water conservation, and regulate water usage to protect the lake’s ecological balance.
Tackling rising food prices requires long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes like providing financial aid to households. The government must work closely with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and reduce bureaucratic obstacles to ensure lasting food security.