When Last Did You Plant?

Youth in Agriculture: Breaking Stigma, Unlocking Opportunities

By Gbemi Akintunde

As I sit at my desk and look out the window, I see a world that is vibrant and full of life. The trees sway gently in the breeze, the grass rustles as small creatures scurry around, and the flowers bloom in a kaleidoscope of colours. All around me, I see the green beauty of vegetation. There’s something truly captivating about the way nature inspires and calms us, filling our souls with serenity and joy.

As I contemplate the power of agriculture, I am reminded of the lessons conveyed in the lyrics of “The Land is Green” by TY Bello. The song acknowledges the potential of agriculture to create jobs and reduce poverty and urges Nigerians to work together to build a strong and sustainable agricultural sector. This message is particularly pertinent in light of today’s youth’s apparent disinterest in agriculture. It wasn’t always this way – Nigeria was once envied by many nations for its agricultural enterprise, from the groundnut pyramids to the Obudu cattle ranch.

According to the United Nations, only 4% of African youths see agriculture as a viable career option, which is a worrying trend. This mindset stems from the misconception that farming is a menial job reserved for the uneducated or physically unfit. However, this is far from the truth as agriculture is a significant employer of labour and a lucrative source of income. Despite the challenges facing the sector, the future of agriculture in Nigeria is incredibly promising, thanks to increased government funding and the adoption of cutting-edge agri-tech.

Some interesting facts to note are that the Food and Agricultural Association (FAO) acknowledges Nigeria as the largest producer of cassava in the world and a major producer of crops such as rice, maize, sorghum, and yams. The country is also the second-largest producer of tomatoes in Africa and the fifth-largest producer of palm oil in the world. Livestock production is also an essential component of Nigeria’s agriculture sector, with the country being one of the largest producers of poultry and the third-largest producer of beef in Africa.

Interestingly, a World Bank report revealed that smallholder farmers in Nigeria earned an average gross income of $623 per hectare in 2019, with the potential for even more significant returns in specific crops and regions. There is a rising demand for agricultural produce in both local and international markets, making it an excellent source of income.

Would you like to start your agri-business? Explore these options;

• Consider volunteering on a farm to gain hands-on experience
• Explore agri-tech solutions that support smallholder farmers, such as Thrive Agric, and Hello Tractor. These platforms provide farmers with access to finance, inputs, and markets, enabling them to increase their productivity and income.
• Look into value-adding opportunities in agriculture, such as processing tomatoes into tomato paste or drying tomatoes for sale. These value-added products can boost farmers’ income potential while also creating job opportunities in processing and packaging. Consider agriculture that supports animal feed, such as cultivating fodder for cattle or producing corn for poultry feed.
• Open a local vegetable shop in your area, working with smallholder farmers to supply fresh produce.

You don’t have to study agriculture to be a farmer; start by planting at home, and YouTube is your friend! Share your farming experiences in the comments section, and let us know if you’d like us to hold a free workshop on how to get into farming.