Nigeria occupies a vast landmass of 923,768 km², stretching between latitudes 4° 1′ and 13° 9′ N and longitudes 2° 2′ and 14° 30′ E. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Sahelian nations (Niger and Chad) to the north.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing over 45% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing more than half of the workforce. The country boasts an extensive agricultural land area of 84 million hectares, yet only 33 million hectares are currently under cultivation.

Despite having 3 million hectares of irrigable land, only 220,000 hectares are actively irrigated, reflecting the underutilization of Nigeria’s water resources for agriculture.

Major Crops and Production Trends

Nigeria produces a variety of staple and cash crops, with staple crops covering 65% of the total cultivated area. These include:

• Cassava, yam, cocoyam, and maize in the humid regions.
• Maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, and groundnut in the sub-humid and semi-arid regions.
• Rice, which is widely cultivated across multiple ecological zones.

Key cash crops include:

• Cocoa
• Oil palm
• Cotton
• Groundnut
• Ginger
• Sesame

Table 1: Average Crop Production and Yield (2007-2011)

Sources: NAERLS (2010), NPAFS (2010)

Agro-Ecological Zones in Nigeria

Nigeria consists of six distinct agro-ecological zones, transitioning south to north from the Atlantic coast to the arid Sahel:

1. Mangrove Swamp
2. Rainforest
3. Derived Savanna
4. Guinea Savanna
5. Sudan Savanna
6. Sahel Savanna

Rainfall patterns vary:

• Mangrove Swamp and Rainforest zones experience bimodal rainfall, supporting year-round agriculture.
• Guinea, Sudan, and Sahel savannas receive uni-modal rainfall, limiting cultivation to specific seasons.
• Rainfall ranges from 500 mm annually in the Sahel to 3,000 mm in the Mangrove Swamp zone.

Soil Types Across Nigeria

Soil composition varies by region:

• Rainforest and Derived Savanna soils: Rich in iron, but low in mineral reserves.
• Guinea and Sudan Savanna soils: Less leached, slightly acidic Alfisols, often shallow with iron pans.
• Floodplain soils (Entisols, Inceptisols): Found along major rivers and the Niger Delta.
• Shallow, well-drained soils: Predominantly found in Sudan and Sahel savannas.

Despite their differences, most Nigerian soils are low in organic matter and nitrogen, making fertility management crucial for sustainable farming.

Farming Practices in Nigeria

Agriculture in Nigeria is dominated by smallholder farmers, with most cultivating less than 1 hectare of land. Mechanization is minimal, and manual tools like hoes and cutlasses remain the primary farming equipment.

In the northern Guinea, Sudan, and Sahel zones, ox-drawn ploughs are commonly used for land preparation, offering a slight advantage over manual labor.

Cropping Systems and Practices

Nigeria’s cropping systems vary by region:

• In the Sudan and Guinea Savannas:

  • Annual double-cropping is common, with combinations like:
    • Maize-cowpea
    • Millet-maize
    • Millet-cowpea
    • Groundnut-maize
  • Sorghum is typically grown as a single crop.

• In the humid southern regions:

  • Maize is often cultivated in double-cropping systems such as maize-maize.
  • Intercropping is widespread, with maize intercropped with root and tuber crops like cassava and yam.

In the north, cereals are intercropped with legumes, while in the south, tubers and cereals are frequently grown together.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its agricultural potential, Nigeria faces several challenges:

1. Low Mechanization – Most farming is done with traditional tools, limiting productivity.
2. Underutilized Irrigation – Only 220,000 hectares of 3 million irrigable hectares are used, leaving huge potential untapped.
3. Soil Degradation – Many Nigerian soils are low in nutrients, requiring improved soil management.
4. Climate Variability – Rainfall patterns are unpredictable, affecting crop yields.
5. Limited Access to Finance – Smallholder farmers struggle with credit access, hindering investment in modern farming techniques.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s agriculture sector remains the backbone of its economy, with vast arable land and a diverse range of crops. However, to maximize agricultural productivity, the country must:

• Increase mechanization and irrigation.
• Improve soil fertility through sustainable farming.
• Invest in modern agricultural techniques.
• Enhance access to credit for smallholder farmers.

By addressing these key challenges, Nigeria can strengthen food security, boost exports, and improve livelihoods in the agricultural sector.