By Ese Ufuoma
Nigeria is facing a deepening food security crisis, with millions struggling to afford basic meals. While factors like poverty, insecurity, and climate change contribute to the problem, one of the most overlooked yet devastating causes is post-harvest loss. Between 30 and 40 per cent of the country’s agricultural produce is wasted before it ever reaches consumers, resulting in food shortages, higher prices, and financial losses for farmers.
This article examines the critical role of post-harvest losses in Nigeria’s food crisis and explores potential solutions. It highlights the need for urgent legislative action, improved agricultural extension services, private-sector investment, and better storage and distribution systems. Without immediate intervention, Nigeria risks further food inflation and worsening hunger, making it essential to address these inefficiencies before they spiral out of control.
Nigeria’s battle with food insecurity is worsening, and one of the biggest culprits is post-harvest loss. Reports indicate that between 30 and 40 per cent of the country’s agricultural produce never makes it from farms to consumers. This staggering waste deepens hunger, strips farmers of income, raises food prices, and threatens national food security.
Despite Nigeria’s vast agricultural land—spanning 70.8 million hectares, with 34 million hectares of arable land—millions of Nigerians still face hunger. While factors like poverty, erratic weather patterns, and insecurity contribute to food shortages, the high volume of wasted produce plays a critical role. The impact of these losses is undeniable: farmers struggle financially, consumers pay more for food, and the country’s ability to feed its growing population remains in jeopardy.
A Call for Legislative Action
Experts and industry stakeholders are calling on the National Assembly to act swiftly by passing the Agricultural Extension Service Bill, 2024. The bill is designed to strengthen agricultural advisory services, equipping farmers with the skills and technologies needed to increase productivity while reducing post-harvest losses.
Speaking at a recent conference in Abuja on “Digitising Agricultural Knowledge to Scale Advisory Service for Rural Farmers’ Economic Wellbeing in Nigeria,” AGRA’s Country Director, Dr. Rufus Idris highlighted the growing demand for food, driven by population growth and changing consumption patterns. He emphasised that without a multi-faceted approach—one that boosts production and cuts down waste — Nigeria’s food crisis will only deepen.
Insecurity and Its Devastating Impact on Agriculture
Beyond post-harvest losses, security challenges remain a major obstacle to food production. Armed conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, and criminal activities have made it unsafe for many farmers to cultivate their land. In states like Zamfara, a key producer of rice and millet, agricultural output has plummeted by 50 per cent due to widespread displacement. The fear of attacks keeps many farmers away from their fields, further aggravating the nation’s food deficit.
Rising Food Prices and the Inflation Burden
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals the volatility of food prices in Nigeria. In May 2024, food inflation stood at 40.66 per cent, surging by 15.84 per cent compared to the previous year. Although it dropped to 37.52 per cent in August, by November 2024, it spiked again to 39.93 per cent. This persistent increase in food costs—driven by rising prices of staples like yams, maize, rice, and vegetable oil—has made it even harder for low-income families to afford basic meals.
The Role of Research, Innovation, and Policy Reform
To combat these challenges, key agricultural research institutions—including the National Root Crops Research Institute (NCRI), Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), and National Agricultural Extension, Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS)—must intensify efforts to develop better storage, processing, and distribution strategies. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) must also take a leading role in driving reforms that reduce food waste. Hence, Government intervention should focus on:
Investing in research and development to create improved storage and processing technologies.
Providing subsidies and incentives to encourage farmers and agribusinesses to adopt modern preservation techniques.
Strengthening extension services to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools to reduce spoilage.
Developing policies and regulations that promote efficient agricultural markets.
The Private Sector’s Role in Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
Beyond government efforts, the private sector has a crucial role to play. Increased investment in food processing plants, cold storage facilities, and innovative logistics solutions can significantly cut down waste. By partnering with farmers and cooperatives, agribusinesses can help bridge the gap between farm production and market supply, ensuring more food reaches consumers.
The Path Forward: Practical Solutions for Farmers
For Nigeria to make real progress, farmers must adopt improved harvesting, storage, and transportation practices. Some key measures include:
Training farmers on proper harvesting techniques to minimize damage.
Encouraging the use of modern storage facilities to extend the shelf life of perishable goods.
Improving rural road networks and transportation logistics to ensure produce reaches markets faster and fresher.
Leveraging digital platforms to connect farmers with buyers, reducing losses due to poor market access.
Nigeria cannot afford to keep losing nearly half of its agricultural produce to post-harvest waste. The time to act is now. With the right combination of legislative support, investment in research and technology, security improvements, and private-sector participation, the country can make significant strides toward food security. Reducing post-harvest losses is not just an agricultural issue — it is an economic, social, and national survival imperative.