Read in
Gbenga OmoleBy Gbenga Omole
/Nigeria is in trouble. It has been for a long time. We have only been patching things up. But now it has blown in our faces and I believe mechanised agriculture has immense potential to transform Nigeria’s economy by increasing food production, boosting efficiency, and creating employment opportunities.
Nigeria has 774 local government area; let there be directive from the federal government for each local government to cultivate just 100 hectares of land with what ever is suitable for their region with proper monitoring.
Nigeria needs to go to high breed animal breeding and high yield crops quickly because we keep growing mathematically but our agricultural is growing arithmetically.
All over the world any serious country will tactically and seriously deal with food crisis before anything.
As one of the most populous countries in Africa, Nigeria faces a growing demand for food, which often surpasses local production and leads to dependence on imports. This dependence strains foreign exchange reserves and contributes to food insecurity. Mechanised agriculture offers a pathway toward self-sufficiency and economic development, addressing these challenges by optimising the agricultural sector and making it more competitive.
One of the primary benefits of mechanised agriculture is the increase in productivity it offers. Unlike traditional farming methods, which rely on manual labour, mechanised agriculture uses advanced tools and machinery to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops. With equipment such as tractors, plows, and harvesters, farmers can manage larger plots of land and significantly reduce the time and effort needed to complete tasks.
In a country where agriculture accounts for about 25 percent of the GDP but still relies on manual labour, mechanisation can revolutionise farming. By allowing farmers to scale their operations, it enables higher yields and greater consistency in production. Mechanisation also reduces labor costs, which is especially significant in Nigeria, where rural-to-urban migration has created a shortage of farm labourers. The lower labor demands of mechanised farming can make agriculture a more attractive and viable business for smallholders and large-scale farmers alike.
Nigeria imports large amounts of rice, wheat, and other staple foods to meet its food demands. This dependence on imports is costly and leaves the country vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Mechanised agriculture can play a crucial role in improving food security by making local farming more productive and reducing reliance on imports.
With mechanised equipment, Nigerian farmers can produce higher quantities of staple foods, potentially meeting the local demand and even generating surpluses for export. Increased food production stabilises prices and enhances the affordability of basic commodities, improving food security and enabling Nigeria to build more robust reserves. Additionally, becoming less dependent on imported food items would reduce the outflow of foreign exchange, conserving national resources that could be invested in other sectors.
While mechanisation reduces manual labour requirements, it does not necessarily lead to job losses. Instead, it creates a demand for a different set of skills related to operating, maintaining, and repairing agricultural machinery. This shift presents an opportunity for job creation, as individuals will need to be trained in the technical aspects of modern farming equipment.
Mechanised agriculture can spur the growth of agro-mechanic businesses, workshops, and vocational training programs, promoting skill development among Nigeria’s youth. As more people acquire technical expertise in agricultural machinery, they can secure employment as operators, mechanics, or trainers. Additionally, the agribusiness value chain will expand, generating new job opportunities in areas like transport, storage, and processing. This diversification can help to reduce unemployment, particularly in rural areas, and contribute to the economic development of local communities.
Nigeria’s agriculture has historically contributed significantly to its export earnings. Mechanisation has the potential to revive this trend by enabling farmers to grow more export-worthy crops and improve their quality. With improved productivity and the ability to cultivate a wider variety of crops, Nigeria could enhance its export offerings and reduce its reliance on oil as the primary revenue source.
By becoming a more competitive player in international markets, Nigeria could generate additional revenue, contributing to foreign exchange earnings. Export-oriented agriculture would also attract foreign investments, especially in agribusiness, and create trade partnerships. These economic benefits would strengthen the Nigerian economy, reduce the country’s trade deficit, and enhance its resilience against global economic fluctuations
Mechanised agriculture can promote sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impact of farming. Precision agriculture technologies, which are often integrated into mechanised systems, allow farmers to monitor and manage their resources more efficiently. For instance, GPS-equipped tractors can optimise field coverage, while advanced irrigation systems can prevent water wastage.
In Nigeria, where deforestation and land degradation pose significant environmental challenges, mechanised agriculture can minimise these issues. By using machinery that helps conserve soil and water, farmers can adopt practices that protect the environment and ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture. Additionally, mechanised agriculture often incorporates conservation tillage and crop rotation, both of which are beneficial for maintaining soil fertility and preventing erosion.
Despite its benefits, mechanised agriculture in Nigeria faces challenges that hinder its widespread adoption. High costs of machinery, limited access to finance, and inadequate infrastructure are significant barriers for many farmers. Most smallholder farmers cannot afford to purchase or maintain mechanised equipment, which restricts the impact of mechanisation on a national scale. Additionally, inadequate rural infrastructure—such as poor road networks—limits access to machinery, spare parts, and technical support.
To overcome these challenges, the Nigerian government, along with private and international organisations, must develop supportive policies and funding mechanisms. Subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans could make machinery more affordable for smallholder farmers. Public-private partnerships can also improve infrastructure and establish equipment leasing facilities that provide access to machinery without requiring outright purchases. Creating these supportive frameworks can drive mechanisation adoption across different scales of farming in Nigeria.
For mechanised agriculture to be effective, the Nigerian government must play an active role in creating an enabling environment. Policy interventions could include tax incentives for importing agricultural machinery, reducing import duties, and offering subsidies to make mechanisation more accessible to farmers. Agricultural research and extension services are also critical, as they can provide farmers with knowledge on the best practices in mechanised agriculture, thereby maximising the benefits.
Additionally, investing in rural electrification and water infrastructure would support the mechanisation process. The government could also establish mechanisation centers in strategic agricultural zones, where farmers can access machinery, training, and repair services. These investments and policy adjustments would make mechanised agriculture more feasible and sustainable in Nigeria, fostering growth in the sector and empowering farmers to embrace new technologies.
The private sector has a key role in advancing mechanised agriculture by bringing innovations in agri-tech to Nigeria. Companies specializing in agricultural machinery and equipment could offer affordable leasing options, making mechanization more accessible to smallholder farmers. Moreover, innovations in digital technology, such as mobile platforms that facilitate the booking of farm equipment, could increase machinery utilisation rates and enhance efficiency.
Partnerships between agribusinesses, technology companies, and farmers could also lead to the development of customised mechanisation solutions tailored to Nigeria’s specific agricultural needs. By integrating data analytics, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools, these collaborations could drive precision farming and optimise resource use, further boosting productivity and profitability.
Climate change poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s agriculture, affecting crop yields and creating uncertainty for farmers. Mechanised agriculture can play a crucial role in building resilience against these challenges by enabling farmers to adopt practices that minimise risks associated with climate variability. For example, climate-smart machinery can help manage water use efficiently and support the cultivation of drought-resistant crops.
Mechanised agriculture also allows for quicker responses to changing weather patterns. With advanced equipment, farmers can complete field tasks rapidly, avoiding crop losses due to unexpected rains or dry spells. This adaptability can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring that agriculture remains a viable economic activity in Nigeria despite environmental uncertainties.
We have no choice, but to breathe life into our abandoned farm resettlements, create new ones and give the incentives to drive this game-changing formula. President Bola Tinubu must personally drive this formula.