Nigeria's Agriculture Sector Urged to Adopt Sustainable Practices for Future Food Security

Strategic Insights -

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is at a crossroads in its agricultural sector, with a growing population and increasing pressure on the ecological foundation. The country's agriculture sector is struggling to meet the increasing demand for food, with over 400 million people projected to require a significant increase in food production by 2050. However, the sector is facing a critical gap in domestic capacity and resilience, resulting in billions of dollars spent on food imports annually.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian agriculture sector is facing a pressing challenge in ensuring food security for its growing population, while preserving the ecological integrity of the environment.
  • The country must bridge the gaps in the agriculture space for economic growth and development, by promoting sustainable agriculture practices and policies that support smallholder farmers.
  • The production capacity is not merely an economic challenge, but a human issue, affecting the resilience of smallholder farmers who are the backbone of the food system.
  • The government must align its policies with the current realities faced by local farmers, including promoting ecological stewardship and sustainable food production.
  • Collaboration and partnerships between food producers, agri-investors, policy makers, and other stakeholders are crucial to drive the sector forward through sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise.
  • The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is reviewing agricultural laws in the country, and is calling for contributions from stakeholders to ensure that the revised laws align with the need for sustainable agriculture practices.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria's population is projected to reach over 400 million by 2050, requiring a significant increase in food production.
  • The country spends billions of dollars on food imports annually, highlighting a critical gap in domestic capacity and resilience.
  • Smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of the food system, are bearing the brunt of ecological shocks, including stretched resilience passed down through generations.
  • The sentiment is echoed by Mr Babatunde Olarewaju, Lead Strategist at FutuX Agri-consult Ltd., who stated that Nigeria must bridge the gaps in the agriculture space for economic growth and development.

Sources:

  • "FutuX Agri-consult, private agricultural extension service provider urges stakeholders to push for sustainable agriculture practice in Nigeria" by Voice of Nigeria (25 July 2025)
  • "Nigeria Sustainable Agriculture Conference (NSAC) welcomes Mr Babatunde Olarewaju, Lead Strategist at FutuX Agri-consult Ltd. and Mr Iwara Edet, Director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS)"