By Abdullahi Adamu
Northern Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the heartbeat of its economy and livelihoods, is facing a steady decline, prompting calls for government intervention to restore its prosperity. Key challenges include insecurity, the struggles of farmers and herders, and a fading dream of agricultural self-sufficiency. To address these issues, the government needs to take deliberate action by reviving the region’s agricultural spirit through policies that support farmers, enhance mechanization, and promote industrialization—similar to current initiatives in fertilizer blending and irrigation.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), often referred to as the “Centre of the Nation,” has long been a hub of trade, culture, and economic vitality in Nigeria. At the core of Abuja’s economic prominence lies its agricultural sector, which has sustained its population for centuries and established the inhabitants as key players in Nigeria’s agricultural economy. With vast arable land, a vibrant population, and a rich history of farming, the FCT stands as a beacon of agricultural potential.
Agriculture provides a livelihood for the majority of the population through subsistence and traditional farming in the FCT. Unfortunately, however, farmlands have increasingly been taken over by land grabbers. Farmers in the FCT face multiple challenges, including climate change, inadequate infrastructure (such as poor roads, transport, and storage facilities), limited access to finance and quality inputs, pests and diseases, farmland loss due to urbanization, and weak access to markets and extension services. These issues have resulted in low productivity, high post-harvest losses, and a decline in motivation for large-scale farming.
Urban farming has gained popularity in recent years, allowing residents to grow food in small spaces such as backyards, sand-filled sacks, containers, and undeveloped plots. However, the scale of these efforts is often too limited to meet the city’s growing food demands. Despite the enthusiasm, residents face a major hurdle—limited access to land within the city, as Abuja’s rapid urban development has been dominated by residential, commercial, and governmental buildings.
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Mechanized farming is not just a modern choice; it is a necessity. To lift farmers out of poverty and make Nigeria a food-sufficient nation, the government and development partners must work hand in hand to empower farmers with knowledge, tools, and technology. I envision a day when farming will no longer be back-breaking but smart, safe, and sustainable—beginning with Northern Nigeria.
The future of agriculture in Nigeria lies in fully embracing mechanized farming, particularly in the North, where agriculture remains the backbone of most communities. The refusal to move away from traditional tools such as cutlasses and hoes has rendered farming inefficient in an era of rapid population growth and rising food demand.
Mechanized farming offers numerous benefits: it reduces manual labour, increases crop yields, and minimizes the health risks associated with strenuous physical work. I strongly encourage farmers in Northern Nigeria to adopt mechanized agricultural systems, as they make farming easier, faster, more efficient, and more profitable. With tractors, planters, harvesters, and other machinery, a farmer can cultivate more land in less time and with less effort. This will not only boost yields and income but also enhance food security and strengthen local economies.
Abdullahi Adamu can be reached via nasabooyoyo@gmail.com
