Nigeria’s Fertile Future: VP Urges Modern Agriculture to End Poverty and Lead Africa

Nigeria’s Vice President Declares poverty ‘Unjustifiable’ amidst Vast Agricultural Potential

Davos, switzerland – Vice President Kashim Shettima asserted that Nigeria’s pervasive poverty is unacceptable given the nation’s extraordinary agricultural resources. He delivered this statement during his participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026,emphasizing agriculture as a cornerstone for propelling Nigeria toward economic change and sustained growth.

Untapped Potential: Land as a National Asset

Shettima passionately argued that certain areas within Nigeria boast soil so fertile that it could yield financial returns as readily as crops are grown.“we have no business being poor,” he stated firmly. “I say this from the bottom of my heart because there are places in Nigeria where the land is so fertile that if you plant money,it will grow.” This sentiment underscores a critical need to leverage Nigeria’s agricultural strengths.

Bridging the Yield Gap: Modernizing Farming Practices

The Vice president called for a widespread adoption of modern farming methodologies, improved fertilization techniques, and innovative agricultural practices. He expressed concern about the current low crop yields, especially in staple crops like rice and potatoes, which significantly lag behind global standards. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), increasing agricultural productivity is crucial for food security and economic growth across Africa. Learn more about FAO’s work in Africa.

Currently, Nigeria’s rice yields average between two and three tonnes per hectare, a stark contrast to countries achieving ten tonnes per hectare. The same disparity exists with potato production. This gap demonstrates a clear opportunity for improvement and increased national output.

Africa’s Rising Influence and Nigeria’s Role

Shettima painted an optimistic vision of africa’s economic future, characterizing the continent as the next major engine of global growth. He positioned Nigeria as a pivotal player in this trajectory, emphasizing that the nation’s success is intrinsically linked to the broader African narrative. “The trajectory of global growth is tilting towards Africa,” he explained, “and Nigeria will either make or mar that journey.”

demographic Shifts and the Imperative for Investment

Nigeria’s rapidly growing population was also highlighted as a crucial factor demanding urgent attention. The Vice president noted that approximately one in four Africans is Nigerian, and projections indicate that Nigeria will surpass the United States to become the world’s third most populous nation by 2050. This demographic surge necessitates strategic investments in agriculture, development, and crucial human capital.

Comparative Crop Yields: Rice Production

Contry	Rice Yield (Tonnes/Hectare) – 2023 Data
Nigeria	2-3
China	7.7
Indonesia	5.8
Vietnam	6.2
United States	8.8

source: FAOSTAT, 2023

Investing in agricultural research and development, providing farmers with access to modern technologies, and fostering a supportive policy habitat are all key steps towards realizing Nigeria’s agricultural potential.

what innovative agricultural policies do you believe would be most effective in boosting Nigeria’s crop yields? And how can Nigeria best leverage its demographic dividend to foster lasting economic growth?

Do you agree with the Vice President’s assessment of Nigeria’s agricultural potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What are the key strategies behind Nigeria’s modern agriculture plan to end poverty adn lead Africa?

nigeria’s fertile Future: VP Urges Modern Agriculture to End poverty and Lead Africa

Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment. With the largest population in africa and vast arable land, the nation possesses immense agricultural potential. Recent pronouncements from the Vice President underscore a renewed commitment to transforming the sector, not just to alleviate poverty within Nigeria, but to position the country as a continental leader in food security and agricultural innovation. This isn’t simply about increasing crop yields; it’s about a holistic modernization of the entire agricultural ecosystem.

The Current Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

For decades, Nigerian agriculture has been characterized by smallholder farms, reliance on rain-fed agriculture, limited access to finance, and inadequate infrastructure. These factors contribute to low productivity and vulnerability to climate change. Though, significant opportunities exist:

* Youth Demographic: A large and increasingly educated youth population represents a potential workforce eager to embrace modern farming techniques.

* untapped Land Resources: Millions of hectares of arable land remain underutilized, offering substantial room for expansion.

* Growing Domestic Demand: A rapidly growing population fuels increasing demand for food, creating a strong internal market.

* Regional Trade Potential: nigeria can leverage its agricultural surplus to become a key exporter within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The VP’s Vision: A Modernized Agricultural Sector

The Vice President’s call for modern agriculture centers around several key pillars. These aren’t just policy suggestions,but actionable strategies designed to drive tangible results.

1. Technology Adoption & Precision Farming:

Moving beyond traditional farming methods is crucial. This includes:

* Drones for Crop Monitoring: Utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to assess crop health, identify pest infestations, and optimize irrigation.

* Smart Irrigation Systems: Implementing water-efficient irrigation technologies like drip irrigation and sensor-based systems to conserve water and maximize yields.

* Data Analytics & Farm Management Software: Employing data-driven insights to optimize planting schedules, fertilizer submission, and harvesting strategies.

* Biotechnology & Improved Seed Varieties: Investing in research and growth of climate-resilient and high-yielding seed varieties.

2. Access to Finance & Investment:

financial constraints are a major barrier for many farmers.The VP’s plan emphasizes:

* Microfinance Initiatives: Expanding access to microloans and financial services tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.

* Agricultural Credit Guarantee Schemes: Reducing the risk for lenders and encouraging them to provide financing to the agricultural sector.

* Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Attracting private sector investment in agricultural infrastructure and value chain development.

* Venture Capital for Agtech startups: Supporting innovative agricultural technology companies through venture capital funding.

3. Infrastructure Development:

Robust infrastructure is essential for efficient agricultural production and distribution. Key areas of focus include:

* Rural Road Networks: improving road connectivity to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce to markets.

* Storage Facilities & Cold Chains: Investing in modern storage facilities and cold chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses. Nigeria currently experiences significant losses due to inadequate storage.

* Irrigation Infrastructure: Expanding irrigation coverage to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture and enhance crop yields.

* Power Supply: Ensuring reliable electricity supply to power agricultural processing facilities and irrigation systems.

4. Value Chain Enhancement:

Moving beyond raw commodity production to value-added processing is critical. This involves:

* Agro-Processing Zones: Establishing dedicated agro-processing zones with necessary infrastructure and incentives to attract investment.

* Packaging & Branding: Improving packaging and branding of Nigerian agricultural products to enhance thier marketability.

* Market Linkages: Connecting farmers directly to buyers and markets through digital platforms and improved logistics.

* Quality control & Standards: strengthening quality control measures and adhering to international standards to ensure product safety and competitiveness.

Case Study: The Rice Revolution

Nigeria’s efforts to boost local rice production offer a compelling case study. Through policies like import restrictions and support for local farmers, rice production has increased significantly in recent years. While challenges remain, this demonstrates the potential for targeted interventions to transform the agricultural sector. The Anchor Borrowers’ Program, for example, has provided crucial financial support and inputs to rice farmers, leading to