Agribusiness expert, and Chairman, Enterprise Grooming Institute (EGI) Ajisefinni Ayodeji, has called for a return to farm settlement and community farming as a way of addressing some of the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking to AgroNigeria on the need for efficient irrigation systems, he highlighted the role of solar-powered solutions, noting Nigeria’s abundance of sunlight. He advocated for converting this natural resource into a source of power to drive farming efforts, especially in the dry season.
Speaking further, Ayodeji stressed that while dry season farming is expensive, it is highly profitable for farmers who are well-versed in its techniques. He pointed out that the food consumed during the rainy season is cultivated in the dry season, and vice versa, making the dry season crucial to ensuring food availability all year round.
He noted that food crises may occur due to floods in some regions, but explained that farmers could turn challenges into opportunities. “The areas affected by the flood are now cleared off, and these are the places where we can return and begin farmland preparation programs,” he said, urging the government and farmers to make the most of such opportunities.
He expressed his belief in Nigeria’s capacity to rise above its agricultural challenges.
“Nigeria has the capacity to do this. We only need to do away with the fear of the unknown that has killed the interest of so many people in agribusiness.
“Dry season farming holds higher prospects compared to the rainy season,” Ayodeji added.
He explained that during the dry season, farmers must provide all the inputs necessary for successful farming and must compute the economics of production accurately. Additionally, the selection of crops becomes vital since not all crops can thrive in dry conditions, with arable crops being the most suitable.
Touching on the issue of perishability, Ayodeji noted that farmers must understand their market demands before cultivation begins.
He called on all farmers to join farming cooperatives or agribusiness groups to ensure their success. According to him, belonging to such groups allows farmers to pool resources, leading to reduced costs and improved economies of scale. He further explained that shared farming spaces for several individuals, along with the availability of common facilities
“For instance, if we have a single farming area for about six, seven or ten people, the cost of production will be reduced because common facilities such as irrigation facilities, security facilities, land preparation facilities will be available.”
Ayodeji also highlighted the benefits of bulk purchasing, as it allows farmers to receive trade discounts from suppliers, which ultimately enhances productivity.
He stressed the need of having buyers ready to take the crops off the farmers’ hands as soon as they are ready, which would prevent losses and ensure that farmers can profit from their work.
He concluded by explaining that cooperation plays an important role in reducing costs, improving productivity and contributing to the overall economic growth of states and the nation at large.