Last year, in 2023, I was invited to a seminar in Abuja on the Maputo Protocol, focusing on women’s rights. The seminar, organized by BAOBAB, was on the 10th anniversary of the protocol, if my memory serves me well. The Protocol basically guarantees extensive rights to women, including the right to take part in the political processes, to social and political equality with men, improved autonomy in their reproductive health decisions, and an end to harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, among others. It covers a broad spectrum of civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights and is considered one of the most progressive human rights instruments globally.
After the lunch break, I had the pleasure of speaking with the Executive Director of BAOBAB, Bunmi Dipo- Salami. She was a woman of poise and conviction, and our conversation left a lasting impression on me. At one point, she said, “You know, I divide people into two groups: the 80% and the 20%. You, my dear, are part of the 20%, ‘problem solvers, excellent leaders’.
I was both humbled and slightly amused. I had always seen myself as a problem solver, but to have someone like Mrs. Bunmi point it out so directly gave me a sense of validation. It felt good, and in that moment, I realized that the work I was doing and the conversations I was having were making a tangible difference.
And as I live through our hellish reality in Nigeria today, with hunger and poverty tightening their grip on us daily, I am reminded by her words that I am, indeed, a solver. Her statement rings in my mind as I see how deeply Nigerians are suffering—from skyrocketing costs of basic needs to transportation, with every corner of life made harder by the government’s fuel price hike. But there’s a glimmer of hope in my thoughts, a spark of purpose: I’m glad to bring agriculture forward as a solution to some of our current-day woes in Nigeria.
In this time of uncertainty, there is one solution that stands out: agriculture. It might not seem glamorous to many, but farming has the potential to rescue us from the poverty and hunger we face. Our land is rich, our soil fertile, and with the right approach, agriculture could be the answer to many of our problems.
For young Nigerians, venturing into agriculture is not just a means of survival; it’s a path to independence and prosperity. Many of us may not see it yet, but farming offers the kind of opportunity that can change lives. The first step is simply deciding what area of agriculture to pursue, whether crop farming, livestock, poultry, or fish farming. From there, it’s all about research. Thankfully, resources are available online, and local farmers are usually willing to share their knowledge.
Starting small is key. You don’t need vast acres of land to begin; trust me, even a small backyard or leased plot can serve as a foundation. The goal is to begin where you are, with what you have, and then scale up gradually. From sourcing quality seeds and livestock to learning about modern farming techniques like irrigation and pest control, our young farmers can improve their yields and ensure that they produce quality food for the market.
But let’s be honest: it’s not always easy. That’s why the government and other stakeholders must step up. Access to loans and grants specifically for young farmers should be prioritized, and infrastructure in rural areas needs serious attention. If we can fix our roads and provide affordable transport options, it will go a long way in helping farmers get their produce to market without burning through their profits on fuel.
In addition, mentorship programs pairing experienced farmers with youth just starting out would be invaluable. Learning directly from those who have been in the field for years can help young farmers avoid mistakes and increase their chances of success. Agriculture is not just a lifeline for individuals, it’s the backbone of our economy. As fuel prices continue to rise, and as Nigerians struggle to put food on the table, farming offers a solution. With the right support, young people can turn to agriculture not just to survive these hard times, but to create a sustainable, prosperous future for themselves and their communities.
Mrs. Bunmi had said that the 20% are the problem solvers and leaders who drive change. I believe Nigerian youth can be that 20%, and agriculture can be the tool to bring that change. The beauty of agriculture is that it doesn’t just address poverty, it tackles food insecurity head-on. With the rising cost of food in urban centers, we are gradually becoming a nation where many can no longer afford to eat. And yet, the solution lies right beneath our feet, in the soil. By turning to farming, young Nigerians have the potential to feed their communities, reduce our reliance on expensive imported food, and ultimately strengthen the economy.
Imagine a future where instead of spending most of our earnings on overpriced food, we grow what we need locally. Imagine a Nigeria where young people are thriving in agribusiness, not just as small-scale farmers, but as key players in food processing, distribution, and export. That future is within our reach, but it requires collective effort.
The government must realize that agriculture is not just another sector—it is the lifeblood of our nation. By investing in agriculture, particularly for the youth, the government can create jobs, reduce hunger, and boost our economy. Programs that provide affordable loans and grants are essential, but so are agricultural training centers where young people can learn the skills needed to succeed. Access to modern tools and technologies, such as tractors, irrigation systems, and pest control methods, can make farming less labor-intensive and more efficient.
Additionally, stakeholders from the private sector must come onboard. Financial institutions can create microfinance schemes tailored to smallholder farmers. NGOs and international organizations can provide mentorship and training opportunities. And large agribusinesses can establish partnerships with small-scale farmers, ensuring that they have a market for their produce.
But it’s not just about financial support—it’s about shifting the mindset of young Nigerians. For too long, farming has been seen as something for the older generation or for those who couldn’t make it in other sectors. That perception needs to change. Farming is a business, and like any other business, it requires strategy, planning, and innovation. With the right mindset, young Nigerians can turn agriculture into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.
We need to start seeing agriculture for what it truly is—an opportunity. In a time when fuel prices are choking the life out of other industries, agriculture remains one of the few sectors that can not only survive but thrive. It is a chance for us to regain control over our food supply, to reduce our dependence on imports, and to build a self-sufficient nation.
Agriculture is not just about planting crops and raising livestock; it’s about creating value chains that can transform the economy. From farm-to-table businesses, organic food production, to exporting Nigerian produce abroad, the opportunities are endless. And it starts with us, the youth, deciding to take that first step.
Let’s look at the economic impact: if young Nigerians embraced farming and increased productivity by even 25%, this could add billions to Nigeria’s GDP. A thriving agricultural sector would reduce our dependency on oil, which still accounts for over 90% of our export earnings but has proven volatile due to global market shifts.
So, to the young Nigerians reading this, I say: don’t wait for the government to solve all the problems. Look at the land around you, the opportunities that exist in agriculture, and take the plunge. With hard work, determination, and a bit of patience, farming can provide not just a livelihood but a path to prosperity. Together, we can feed our nation, reduce poverty, and build a future where hunger and lack are no longer the norm. Agriculture, if we embrace it, will be the solution we’ve been looking for.
Consider this: agriculture currently contributes about 24% to Nigeria’s GDP, employing over 70% of the rural population. Yet, the sector still falls short of its full potential. Nigeria, with its abundant natural resources and fertile land, spends over $10 billion annually on food imports. Imagine the economic boost if we could cut that in half by producing more of our food locally. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that Nigeria could become self-sufficient in major food crops like rice, maize, and cassava within a decade if we commit to serious investment in agriculture.
Nigeria has approximately 82 million hectares of arable land, yet only 40% of this is cultivated. This means that over 50% of our fertile land remains untouched—a goldmine waiting for young people willing to transform it into wealth. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the average farmer produces roughly 1.5 to 2 tons of crops per hectare, a figure that falls significantly below the global average. With better training and access to modern equipment, Nigerian farmers could potentially double their yields, which would have a massive impact on both local and national food supply.
Agriculture offers a chance to create more than 3 million jobs across the country over the next five years, according to the African Development Bank. These jobs are not limited to traditional farming but extend into food processing, logistics, technology, and retail. The agribusiness value chain holds vast potential, from small-scale farmers supplying local markets to high-end exports.
Youth involvement in agriculture isn’t just about planting crops; again it’s about creating an economy where we’re not solely reliant on oil and imported goods. If we direct our energy and resources toward farming, Nigeria could very well become a global leader in food production, moving us closer to the food security and economic independence we urgently need.
