Agricultural experts, policymakers and farmers have called for increased investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to boost food production, enhance food security and stimulate economic growth.
The stakeholders made the call during an agricultural development forum held in Abuja, where participants discussed challenges confronting the sector and strategies for achieving sustainable agricultural transformation.
According to the experts, agriculture remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, employing millions of people and contributing significantly to national development.
However, they noted that inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing, insecurity and climate-related challenges continue to hinder productivity.
Speaking at the event, an agricultural economist, Dr Ibrahim Musa, said that greater public and private sector investment was necessary to modernise farming practices and improve yields.
Musa said that many smallholder farmers lacked access to quality seeds, fertilisers, irrigation facilities and modern equipment required to increase production.
“Investment in agriculture is not only essential for food security but also for job creation and poverty reduction.
We must strengthen support for farmers and encourage innovation across the agricultural value chain,” he said.
He urged government agencies and development partners to expand extension services and provide farmers with training on climate-smart agricultural practices.
Also speaking, a representative of a farmers’ association, Mrs Grace Okeke, highlighted the need for affordable credit facilities to enable farmers to expand their operations.
According to her, high interest rates and stringent lending conditions have limited access to finance for many farmers, particularly those in rural communities.
She called on financial institutions to design farmer-friendly loan packages that would support agricultural production and agribusiness development.
The stakeholders also stressed the importance of improving rural infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities and irrigation systems, to reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate market access.
They observed that significant quantities of agricultural produce were lost annually due to poor storage and transportation challenges.
Participants further advocated increased adoption of technology in agriculture, including digital platforms for market information, weather forecasting and farm management.
They noted that technology could help farmers make informed decisions, improve productivity and strengthen resilience to climate change.
On food security, the experts expressed concern over rising food prices and the impact on vulnerable households, urging coordinated efforts to increase local food production and reduce dependence on imports.
They said that enhancing agricultural productivity would contribute to stabilising food prices and improving nutrition outcomes across the country.
The forum concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, private investors and farming communities to unlock the sector’s full potential.
The participants expressed optimism that sustained investment and effective policy implementation would accelerate agricultural development and contribute to national economic prosperity.
