The founder of Cultivate Africa, Dr Dominic Joshua, has lamented the untapped potential in the country’s agricultural sector, which has been described as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
According to Punch, Joshua said the underutilisation was due to systemic inefficiencies and a lack of innovation.
The expert stated that Nigeria’s agricultural productivity is hampered by outdated practices, limited access to technology, and an underdeveloped value chain.
He said, “Agriculture is often heralded as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, yet its vast potential remains underutilized due to systemic inefficiencies and a lack of innovation. This untapped potential represents an opportunity for transformation.
“Nigeria’s agricultural productivity is hampered by outdated practices, limited access to technology, and an underdeveloped value chain. Most farmers are stuck in subsistence farming, with minimal access to the tools and infrastructure that could help them scale.
“Post-harvest losses remain a critical problem, with insufficient storage facilities and poor transport networks leading to wasted produce. Furthermore, the country continues to export raw agricultural goods while importing processed versions, a dynamic that undermines local farmers and drains the economy.”
Joshua stated that mechanisation farming and climate-smart agriculture, which integrates sustainable practices to improve soil health and adapt to climate change, will address the issues facing Nigeria’s agricultural productivity.
He said, “Mechanisation and technology are game-changers. Affordable tractors, automated irrigation systems, and drones for crop monitoring can transform the way we farm. These tools improve productivity and reduce the physical burden on farmers. “Agriculture is more than a means of survival—it’s a pathway to prosperity. By modernizing our practices, investing in processing, and empowering farmers, we can build an agricultural system that benefits everyone.
“Our farmers need education on practices like crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and efficient water usage. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment—it’s about ensuring long-term profitability for farmers.”
Joshua opined that the real value of agriculture lies in processing, stressing the importance of policy reform and financial access.
He added that Nigeria’s youth make up a significant portion of the population, saying that they are pivotal to agriculture’s future.
“Young people bring innovation, energy, and fresh perspectives,” he notes. “But we need to make agriculture appealing to them by providing the right support—educational programs, startup grants, and mentorship opportunities,” he said.
