In an era marked by rapid population growth and climate uncertainties, ensuring food security is a pressing challenge. Nigeria, a nation endowed with abundant resources yet beset by significant agricultural inefficiencies, stands at a critical juncture. The alarming realities underscore the urgency of addressing these issues.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 25 million Nigerians faced food insecurity in 2022, with this number expected to rise due to ongoing economic and environmental challenges. Additionally, Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 400 million by 2050, further straining the country’s food systems.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy and possessing vast arable land, Nigeria imports over $10 billion worth of food annually. This paradox highlights the inefficiencies within the country’s agricultural sector. Postharvest losses are a significant part of the problem, with the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) estimating that the country loses up to 50% of its perishable produce due to inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure.
To delve into these challenges and potential solutions, AgroNigeria spoke exclusively with Dr. Babafemi Oyewole, CEO of the Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO), based in Kigali, Rwanda.
Dr. Oyewole shed light on a critical but often overlooked issue: postharvest loss. “Postharvest loss refers to the measurable quantitative and qualitative food loss occurring from the time of harvest through the stages of processing, marketing, and consumption,” he explained. “In many African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, poor infrastructure and tropical climates exacerbate this problem, leading to losses that can reach as high as 40-50%.”
The impact of these losses is profound. Despite efforts to boost agricultural productivity, a significant portion of the harvest never reaches consumers. This not only undermines food security but also translates to massive economic losses. “Reducing postharvest losses is one of the most effective ways to strengthen food security,” Dr. Oyewole emphasized. “By improving storage, transportation, and processing infrastructure, we can preserve more of the food we produce.”
Another major issue highlighted by Dr. Oyewole is Africa’s reliance on exporting raw agricultural products. “Africa loses a substantial amount of income by not adding value to its agricultural products. For instance, a ton of raw cashews sells for around $900, but when processed, the same amount can fetch up to $7,000. This vast difference shows the income potential that is lost,” he said. The failure to process agricultural products locally means that African farmers miss out on substantial economic benefits, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
Dr. Oyewole pointed out that addressing the continent’s economic challenges, including unstable exchange rates, requires a strategic shift. “To stabilize our economies, we need adequate reserves to back our currencies. Adding value to agricultural products can play a crucial role in this by boosting export revenues and creating jobs.”
Technological advancements and innovative agricultural practices offer hope. “We need to embrace new technologies and methods to increase yield and reduce waste,” Dr. Oyewole noted. He called for greater investment in agricultural research and development, as well as better education for farmers on sustainable practices.
However, the challenges are multifaceted. Limited access to arable land and freshwater resources further complicates efforts to scale up food production. As the global population continues to grow, the pressure to produce more food with fewer resources intensifies. “It’s not just about producing more food; it’s about doing so sustainably,” Dr. Oyewole remarked.
Addressing food security in Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach that includes reducing postharvest losses, adding value to agricultural products, and adopting innovative farming techniques. As the country navigates these challenges, the insights from experts like Dr. Oyewole highlight the path forward. By leveraging technology and improving infrastructure, Nigeria can transform its agricultural sector, ensuring food security and economic prosperity for its people.
