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How Nigerian Farmers Count Their Losses as Prices Keep Dropping |
Nigerian farmers face heavy losses as crop prices drop. Rising costs of seeds, fertilizer, and fuel threaten food security and livelihoods.
Across Nigeria, farmers are grappling with a painful reality: after investing heavily in seeds, fertilizer, fuel, and labour, they are forced to sell their produce at falling prices. While consumers benefit from cheaper food, producers and traders are struggling to survive.
This deepening crisis highlights the growing imbalance between agricultural costs and market returns—an issue that directly threatens Nigeria’s long-term food security.
Why Farmers Are Losing Despite Hard Work
The cost of farming has risen significantly in recent years due to:
- High prices of fertilizer and improved seeds
- Soaring fuel costs for irrigation and transportation
- Increased wages for farm labour
- Unstable government support and subsidies
Unfortunately, when farmers bring their goods to market, they are faced with buyers offering far less than the production cost. For many, this means incurring debt rather than profit.
Impact on Nigeria’s Food Security
The persistent drop in food prices may appear beneficial to consumers in the short term. However, the long-term implications are alarming.
Key risks include:
- Reduced farm production: Farmers are discouraged from planting large quantities due to poor returns.
- Food shortages in the future: If fewer farmers plant crops, the nation may experience scarcity.
- Threats to rural livelihoods: Millions of households depending on farming risk slipping into deeper poverty.
For context, global food and agriculture experts such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have repeatedly warned that sustainable pricing is key to ensuring food security in developing nations.
Calls for Survival Skills Amid Rising Insecurity
Alongside agricultural struggles, security challenges are compounding the worries of rural farmers. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, recently urged Nigerians to learn combat skills for self-defence.
Speaking on a national program, he likened martial arts such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to essential skills like driving or swimming. In his view, these are survival instincts that every Nigerian should acquire, given the nation’s current realities.
Why Combat Skills Matter for Farmers and Communities
- Protecting farms and produce from theft or attacks
- Enhancing personal security during travel in rural areas
- Building resilience in communities affected by crime and insecurity
Musa even proposed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) integrate unarmed combat training into its curriculum, alongside survival skills like swimming and driving.
The Link Between Security and Food Production
Security and agriculture are deeply connected. Farmers cannot thrive in areas where insecurity discourages planting, harvesting, or transporting goods. Self-defence training, situational awareness, and community vigilance could go a long way in reducing threats faced by rural populations.
What Can Be Done to Help Farmers?
To address the crisis, several steps are necessary:
- Government intervention – Provide better subsidies for inputs and ensure fair market prices.
- Market reforms – Create systems that allow farmers to sell directly to consumers or through digital platforms.
- Security support – Strengthen rural security to protect farmers and their investments.
- Skill training – Encourage Nigerians, including farmers, to learn survival and self-defence skills for safety.
Nigerian farmers are facing double challenges—economic losses from dropping food prices and the constant threat of insecurity. As General Christopher Musa emphasized, survival now requires both economic resilience and personal security awareness.
It is crucial for policymakers, communities, and individuals to act. Supporting farmers with fair pricing, security, and training will not only save livelihoods but also safeguard Nigeria’s food future.
Now is the time for Nigerians to remain vigilant, learn essential skills, and advocate for stronger agricultural and security reforms.
