Nigeria’s Farmers Face Persistent Agricultural Losses

Nigeria’s Cassava Sector Faces Significant Losses Amidst Declining Production

Nigeria is experiencing substantial annual financial losses, estimated in the millions of naira, due to a worrying downturn in national cassava production. This alarming trend was highlighted by representatives from the Cassava Farmers Associations, who underscored the critical need for intervention and support within the sector.

The revelations came to light during a comprehensive training initiative aimed at empowering 6,000 cassava farmers across the nation. The program, which included a vital facility tour, took place at both the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo town and within the Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

A confluence of challenges has forced many dedicated farmers to abandon their farms. These obstacles include:

• Inadequate Pest Control Facilities: A lack of sufficient and modern pest management infrastructure leaves crops vulnerable to devastating infestations.
• Deficiencies in Managerial Skills: Many farmers lack the in-depth managerial expertise required to navigate the complexities of modern large-scale agriculture.
• Limited On-Field Training: Practical, hands-on training that addresses real-world farming issues has been insufficient.
• Climate Control Issues: Farmers are struggling to adapt to changing weather patterns and lack the tools or knowledge for effective climate control strategies.
• Other Contributing Factors: A range of other economic and logistical hurdles also play a role in discouraging sustained production.

A Collaborative Effort for Revitalization

This pivotal training program is a collaborative endeavor spearheaded by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). The initiative is being conducted in close partnership with the National Root Crops Research Institute, located in Emudike, Abia State. Crucially, the program receives its funding from the Germany-based GZI Foundation, demonstrating international recognition of the importance of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Samuel Ogunleye, the AATF Project Coordinator, expressed optimism regarding the impact of the training. He elaborated on the program’s scope and objectives:

“The training is designed to benefit 6,000 cassava farmers in the 33 local government areas of the state,” Ogunleye stated. “The programme was incubated in 2023 but inaugurated in 2024. It has taken place in Ido and Ibarapa areas with the training of over 1,200 farmers.”

He further detailed the ongoing efforts: “Today a similar programme is taking place here in Iseyin with over 2,000 farmers in attendance. Farmers are being trained on how to increase their output as well as get it to the market through modern technology.”

In Iseyin, a significant development for local farmers is the availability of a modern cassava processing machine. This facility is intended to streamline and ease the processing of cassava, a labor-intensive task. Farmers are being granted access to this advanced processor at a subsidized rate, making it more accessible and affordable. Furthermore, the AATF is actively involved in assisting these farmers with the crucial task of getting their processed products to market.

Addressing Production Challenges Head-On

Adeyemi Olojede, the team lead from the National Root Crops Research Institute, emphasized that the training’s core purpose is to directly confront and rectify the nationwide decline in cassava production.

“The training is designed for the off-season in order to allow active participation of farmers,” Olojede explained. “Some of the challenges confronting the farmers are tabled while the solutions are proffered.” This strategic timing ensures that farmers can fully engage with the training without compromising their active farming schedules.

Farmer Testimonials: A Glimpse of Hope

The impact of this training initiative is already resonating deeply with the participating farmers. In individual interviews, beneficiaries such as Funmilayo Aderoju, Adewuyi Olusegun, Raimo Oladepo, and Ayo Ogundare expressed their profound appreciation for the program, describing it as a genuine “game-changer.”

Funmilayo Aderoju shared her enthusiasm: “I was so excited for this training because I’ve learnt a lot. I am highly impressed. I want to appeal to the government to assist us so that we can produce cassava in large quantities for the benefit of all and sundry.” Her plea highlights the desire for greater government support to scale up production.

Adewuyi Olusegun echoed this sentiment, noting the training’s potential to alleviate farmer stress: “I was so impressed as well. This training will reduce our stress – I mean the farmers’ stress – about the planting and cultivation of cassava. This is a game-changer, and I want to appeal to the government to subsidise both the hybrid cassava stocks and fertiliser for us. Unlike before, I don’t normally use or apply fertilisers to my crops while planting or germinating. But with this training, I will also go back to enlightening my co-farmers.” Olusegun’s commitment to sharing knowledge underscores the multiplier effect of such training programs.

Raimo Oladepo recounted a personal struggle that the training helped to overcome: “I was already discouraged before that I would not go into farming next year, 2027, because of debts I incurred in both 2024 and 2025. This is 2026, and I have vowed that I will not go ahead again but this training opened my eyes to mistakes which I will never make again, because Nigerian farmers are losing millions of naira yearly to the decline in cassava production nationwide.” Oladepo’s testimony powerfully illustrates how improved knowledge and techniques can restore confidence and prevent financial ruin.

Ayo Ogundare specifically lauded the practical safety lessons learned: “What I learnt in that training was how to protect myself during fumigation or when applying fertilisers or chemicals to the farm produce. I was made to realise that those chemicals are hazardous.” This focus on safety is critical for the long-term well-being of farmers and the sustainability of their operations.

The collective feedback from these farmers underscores the urgent need for continued investment in agricultural education, access to modern technology, and supportive government policies to reverse the current decline and secure Nigeria’s cassava sector for the future.