The recent UN prediction that 82 million Nigerians could face hunger by 2030 underscores the urgent need for the government to address multiple threats to agricultural productivity, such as climate change, pest infestations, and unreliable water patterns. This comes at a time when food inflation in Nigeria has reached unprecedented levels, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a 40.66% food inflation rate in May 2024.
Key challenges highlighted include:
1. Climate Change: Irregular rainfall and lack of irrigation severely impact smallholder farmers, who are crucial to Nigeria’s food production.
2. Pest Infestations: Pests continue to be a significant threat to crop yields.
3. Economic and Social Factors: Rising food prices and fuel scarcity are putting additional pressure on the population, particularly workers.
Experts stress the need for government intervention through subsidies, irrigation systems, and leveraging technology like satellite-based crop monitoring to enhance agricultural practices and ensure food security. Immediate and aggressive actions, including support for mechanized farming and provision of soft loans, are crucial to mitigate the looming food crisis and promote sustainable agricultural development.
