The recent drop in food prices across the country has sparked mixed reactions among farmers and consumers alike. While many Nigerians commend the Federal Government for the relief it brings to households, several farmers—especially from the South West—say they are bearing the weight of the adjustment.
In a survey conducted across Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara States, farmers expressed both appreciation and concern, calling for stronger collaboration between the government and agricultural stakeholders to ensure that the gains benefit everyone.
Mr. Adewumi Abas, South West Coordinator of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), applauded the government’s decision to allow food importation, saying it has eased pressure on the market and made food more affordable. He credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the initiative and also praised farmers for supporting the government’s efforts despite persistent challenges.
Abas noted that farmers still face high costs of fertilisers, seeds, and agrochemicals but assured that they remain committed to keeping food accessible. He urged his members to avoid hoarding farm produce and appealed to the government to address the high cost of farm inputs and strengthen security, particularly as the dry season approaches.
He also called for the creation of farm villages with irrigation systems to support year-round cultivation, suggesting that farmers could pay an agreed fee rather than rely entirely on free government provisions. According to him, such initiatives would boost productivity and help maintain steady food supplies throughout the year.
Abas highlighted ongoing training sessions for South West farmers on food processing and storage, saying these have helped reduce post-harvest losses. He revealed that the government is currently mopping up surplus cassava and garri into national grain reserves to stabilise prices and encourage continued production.
Mr. Adetunji Samson, Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, also linked the fall in food prices to federal interventions. He explained that improved security, access to subsidised fertilisers, better seeds, and modern farming equipment have helped reduce production costs and encouraged displaced farmers to return to their fields.
However, not everyone shares this optimism. Elder David Adeoye, a farmer in Ibadan, lamented that the government’s push to lower food prices has made life difficult for producers struggling with high operational costs. He said the price of fertilisers, chemicals, labour, and transportation remains steep, while the government expects lower prices from farmers.
Adeoye warned that without adequate support, many farmers might abandon their farms in the next planting season. He urged the government to provide grants, subsidised inputs, and financial relief to offset production costs. Sharing a colleague’s experience, he said one farmer who invested N3 million cultivating six hectares of maize and cassava is now unable to recover his expenses due to the crash in market prices.
In Ogun State, Mr. Timothy Abiola, a farmer from Obafe in Obafemi Owode Local Government, said climate change poses a serious challenge but acknowledged that farmers are receiving training under climate-smart initiatives. He noted that post-harvest waste remains a concern due to inadequate storage and processing facilities, though many farmers are now learning to turn excess produce into value-added goods such as garri, tapioca, and cassava flour.
Abiola argued that instead of spending heavily on fuel subsidies, the government should buy produce directly from farmers at fair prices and store them for food security purposes. He also urged better security around farm settlements, noting that while Ogun has managed herder-farmer conflicts fairly well, other regions still face serious threats.
Ogun State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, said the state has made significant progress in food production and post-harvest management. He pointed to the Farmers Information Management System, which has registered over 160,000 farmers, as proof of the state’s commitment to agricultural development.
Owotomo explained that the government’s focus on cassava and aquaculture, along with input distribution and the construction of new processing facilities, has helped stabilise food prices. He added that by linking farmers directly with off-takers, the state ensures they have guaranteed markets for their produce.
In Kwara State, the Small-scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) voiced concern over the sharp fall in crop prices. Ilorin-East Coordinator, Hajia Funmilayo Lawal, said climate challenges and price crashes have left many women farmers operating at a loss. She called for more government support in the form of subsidised inputs, grants, and financial aid.
Another SWOFON member, Mrs. Mary Adeniyi from Baruten Local Government, said most farmers now store their produce rather than sell at giveaway prices. She urged the government to provide affordable farm tools and equipment to reduce reliance on expensive labour.
Mrs. Modupe Suleiman, SWOFON Coordinator for Ilorin-West, emphasised the importance of government partnership with women farmers, noting that they are the backbone of food production. She appealed for training, small-scale machinery, and modern storage facilities to enhance productivity and food security.
Suleiman added that investment in modern preservation and processing technologies would ensure that farmers get fair value for their efforts while minimising waste. She stressed that agriculture can only thrive when the government, communities, and private sector work hand in hand to create a sustainable system that rewards both producers and consumers.
