In this report, DANIEL ADAJI considers how Nigerians have resorted to home gardening to combat food insecurity
In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in home gardening, a trend largely driven by escalating food prices and economic challenges.
As inflation continues to erode purchasing power, many Nigerians are turning to their backyards, balconies, and community spaces to cultivate their food, seeking both sustenance and financial relief.
Nigeria’s economy has been grappling with persistent inflation, particularly in the food sector.
The country’s food inflation rate surged to 39.93 per cent in November 2024 on a year-on-year basis, a 7.08 percentage point increase from the 32.84 per cent recorded in November 2023, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
Food inflation has been especially severe, with prices for staples like rice, maize, bread, potatoes, and cooking oil surging to 39.93 per cent in November year-on-year from 39.16 per cent in October 2024.
This upward trajectory is attributed to factors such as the devaluation of the naira and multiple petrol price hikes, which have collectively intensified the cost-of-living crisis.
The situation is further compounded by environmental challenges. Torrential rains and flooding have devastated over “1.3 million hectares of cropland across 29 states, affecting more than 2.5 million people,” according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 2024.
These natural disasters have not only displaced communities but also severely disrupted agricultural production, leading to economic losses and threatening the daily food needs of millions.
This comes amid allegations that northern farmers who enjoyed bumper harvests from the government’s intervention have begun to export their produce to neighbouring countries in exchange for higher currencies.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, raised concerns about the potential negative impact of agricultural exports on food security during a New Year visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While lauding the Federal Government’s agricultural policies for delivering bumper harvests in northern Nigeria, he noted that exports driven by a favourable exchange rate could pose risks.
“The policies are working in agriculture. I was in Jigawa and the complaint was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest,” Abdulrazaq said.
He added, “So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day. In terms of agriculture, the policy is working. We’ll continue to deepen that and ensure we are 100 per cent sustained in food security and feed the whole of West Africa.”
However, the national president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, dismissed the claims, insisting that local farming in the country is primarily focused on meeting domestic food needs rather than producing for international markets.
Speaking on the phone with our correspondent, Ibrahim said, “How do you tell me that? I mean, our people cannot export. What do we have to export? The thing is that there has been a problem in the food system.”
In a separate interview, the Chairman of the AFAN Federal Capital Territory Chapter, Ifraimu Dauda, supported Ibrahim’s position, stating that the unique location and farming practices in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, limit large-scale export potential.
“Abuja cannot be compared to other regions. As a central location without international borders, cross-border trade is minimal. Most of our farmers are smallholders serving local markets,” Dauda explained.
Dauda also noted that mechanised farming remains underdeveloped in the FCT, further limiting the scale of agricultural production necessary for export.
“Large-scale mechanised farming is rare here due to limited government support and insufficient foreign investment,” he said.
In response to these challenges, a growing number of Nigerians are embracing home gardening as a viable solution to food insecurity and rising costs.
This movement is not limited to rural areas; urban dwellers are also converting available spaces into productive gardens.
Mr. La’ah Dauda, an agriculture expert in Kaduna State, emphasised the transformative potential of urban farming and home gardening.
He noted that “in the face of rising food prices and economic instability, these practices offer a reliable source of fresh produce and create new avenues for employment and income generation.”
Dauda shared personal experiences, including using proceeds from his backyard tomato harvest to pay significant bills, highlighting the tangible benefits of home gardening.
Similarly, in the Federal Capital Territory, women have turned to producing spices and seedlings in their backyards, generating substantial income.
Gardeners like Ojochegbe Atuluku are inspiring others to embrace backyard farming, maximising their earnings while contributing to food security in their communities.
She highlighted the economic and nutritional benefits of growing her produce, offering a practical example of self-sufficiency.
“As you can see, here is a pumpkin (popularly called ugu) nursery in my backyard. I also have bitter leaves and turmeric. This year, I have earmarked a portion of my compound for yam and guinea corn. I plan to only buy what I cannot produce myself,” Atuluku explained, emphasising the importance of reducing dependence on expensive market produce.
Reflecting on the skyrocketing food prices of recent years, she shared her motivation: “Imagine having to spend over N100,000 to buy a bag of rice last year and more than N30,000 for an average-sized chicken in December. This year, I have decided to rear some chickens to cut the cost of buying them by the next festive season.”
Across Nigeria, community initiatives are fostering a culture of self-reliance through home gardening.
In Kogi State, for instance, staff of the Prince Abubakar Audu University and other like-minded individuals have established communal farms on vacant plots, growing vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens.
These gardens not only provide fresh produce but also strengthen community bonds and promote sustainable living.
Friday Edibo, a resident of Anyigba, Kogi State, commended the farming initiative, emphasising its critical role in sustaining his family amidst economic challenges.
According to him, agriculture has been the backbone of his household, especially as securing a white-collar job has remained elusive while the cost of food continues to soar.
“I have since chosen farming as the best and fastest way out of high food inflation in this country. We are blessed in Nigeria, but I can’t understand why we still suffer. Last year, I cultivated cassava, maize, and pigeon peas, and these have been sustaining my family up to this time,” Edibo explained.
He pointed out that relying on farming has provided a measure of food security for his household in a time of economic uncertainty.
He attributed the continued reliance on homegrown food to his inability to afford market prices, which have skyrocketed due to inflationary pressures.
“With what we have from our farm, we can eat without worrying too much about market prices,” he added.
Edibo further expressed hope that government support for farmers would increase, allowing more people to engage in agriculture as a sustainable means of survival.
He urged the government to address the challenges that hinder large-scale farming, including access to affordable farm inputs, mechanisation, and improved storage facilities.
“I only hope things get better,” he concluded, reiterating his belief that agriculture remains a viable path to food sufficiency if properly supported by policies that prioritise farmers’ needs and enhance agricultural productivity.
In Abuja, a group of young professionals started an urban farming collective, transforming unused spaces into productive gardens.
Their efforts have yielded bountiful harvests of cucumbers and lettuce, reducing their dependence on market purchases and inspiring others to adopt similar practices.
Challenges
While the resurgence of home gardening presents numerous benefits, it is not without challenges.
Urban gardeners often contend with limited space, inadequate access to quality seeds and fertilisers, and a lack of technical knowledge.
Additionally, environmental factors such as pollution and inconsistent water supply can impede gardening efforts.
To address these challenges, agricultural experts advocate for increased support and education. Workshops and training sessions on sustainable farming methods, soil health, and pest management can equip individuals with the necessary skills to succeed.
Furthermore, government and non-governmental organisations can play a pivotal role by providing resources such as seeds, tools, and access to credit facilities.
An agricultural economist at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Tobi Awolope, emphasised the need for sustained government support for smallholder farmers to ensure improved food security in Nigeria.
According to her, “the government must continue to support smallholder farmers, who constitute at least 80 per cent of farmers in the country, with the right inputs at the right time to boost food security.”
Awolope pointed out that smallholder farmers form the backbone of the nation’s agricultural sector, providing the majority of food consumed locally. She observed that these farmers often struggle with limited access to essential farming inputs, such as improved seedlings, fertilisers, and modern tools. “The timely distribution of quality inputs is critical to enhancing productivity and ensuring food sufficiency in the country,” she explained.
Additionally, she advocated for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of environmental challenges on agricultural yields.
She noted, “Unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and flooding have continued to hinder agricultural output, putting food security at risk.”
Awolope stressed that integrating innovative approaches, such as water conservation, resilient crop varieties, and sustainable land management, would help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions while maintaining productivity.
Further emphasising the need for disaster preparedness, she remarked, “Flooding has been recurrent and devastating for many farming communities. Proactive interventions and climate-smart solutions are necessary to protect farms and strengthen resilience.” Awolope urged policymakers to prioritise investments in infrastructure that safeguard agricultural activities against climate risks.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic uncertainties and food security challenges, the growing trend of home gardening offers a beacon of hope.
By cultivating their food, Nigerians can mitigate the impact of rising prices, enhance their nutrition, and foster a sense of community resilience.