Fertiliser Crisis Forces Gombe Farmers to Abandon Staple Crops

Strategic Insights -

Famers in Gombe State, Nigeria, are abandoning the cultivation of staple crops like rice and maize due to the high cost of fertiliser. The cost of fertiliser has increased significantly since the beginning of the 2025 rainy season, making it difficult for farmers to recover their investments. Many farmers have switched to cultivating crops like millet, sorghum, and cassava, which require little or no fertiliser. This shift has led to a decrease in the cultivation of staple crops, posing a threat to food security and the government's efforts to increase food production.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 40% of farmers in Hinna community have abandoned the cultivation of rice and maize due to the high cost of fertiliser, shifting to millet, sorghum, and other crops to reduce farming costs and increase profit.
  • More than 50% of farmers in Difa community have abandoned the cultivation of rice and maize due to the high cost of fertiliser.
  • The cost of 50kg of fertiliser has increased from N42,000 to N57,000 depending on the quality and brand, making it difficult for farmers to recover their investments.
  • Farmers are sounding an alarm on the government's food security efforts, citing the increasing cost of fertiliser as a major challenge.
  • The shift to alternative crops may have consequences for Nigeria's food security, but some farmers believe they have no choice due to the high cost of fertiliser.
  • Farmers are appealing to the federal and state governments to provide support with fertiliser to enable them to cultivate staple crops like rice and maize.

Statistics:

  • 40% of farmers in Hinna community have shifted to millet, sorghum, and other crops due to the high cost of fertiliser.
  • Over 50% of farmers in Difa community have abandoned the cultivation of rice and maize.
  • 50kg of fertiliser now sells for between N52,000 and N57,000, depending on quality and brand.
  • The high cost of fertiliser has made it difficult for farmers to recover their investments, leading to a decrease in the cultivation of staple crops.

Sources:

  • Voice of Nigeria, 18 July 2025