The first rains of 2024 have arrived, signaling the start of another planting season. For many Nigerians, this annual event represents a glimmer of hope in the face of a devastating hunger crisis. With the country ranking 110th out of 127 nations in the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), scoring an alarming 28.8, the need for urgent action has never been greater. As the rains begin, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Nigerians seize this opportunity to feed themselves in 2025, or will the nation sink further into the abyss of hunger?

The State of Hunger in Nigeria

Nigeria’s hunger crisis is a multifaceted problem exacerbated by insecurity, climate change, and economic instability. Terrorist groups and bandits have driven countless farmers from their lands, particularly in the North, where agriculture is a primary livelihood. This displacement has led to a significant reduction in food production, pushing millions into extreme hunger.

Despite these challenges, Nigerians have shown remarkable resilience and innovation. Many have turned to alternative farming methods, such as planting yams and potatoes in sacks filled with soil and keeping them within their residences. Others have ventured into snail, rabbit, and grasscutter farming. These small-scale agricultural practices, often shared on social media, have sparked interest among Nigerians eager to take control of their food security.

The Need for Guidance and Support

While the enthusiasm for these innovative farming methods is encouraging, many Nigerians lack the knowledge and resources to implement them effectively. Common questions include:

• What type of soil is best for sack farming?
• Should yam seedlings or cut pieces of yam tubers be used?
• Should the cut side of the yam piece face up or down in the soil?

These are precisely the types of questions that Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) were once tasked with answering. AEOs played a critical role in connecting farmers with agricultural research and information, helping them make informed decisions to improve productivity and sustainability. In the past, AEOs addressed such queries through radio and TV programs sponsored by federal and state ministries of agriculture.

However, the current state of agricultural extension services in Nigeria is unclear. If AEOs still exist within the ministries of agriculture, their presence and impact are hardly felt. Many wonder whether these officers, like workers in Nigeria’s moribund petrol refineries, simply collect salaries without contributing meaningfully to the sector.

Government’s Role in Combating Hunger

A government genuinely committed to addressing hunger would have already taken proactive steps to support small-scale farmers. This includes providing improved crop seedlings, launching nationwide campaigns to encourage innovative farming practices, and converting every available space into mini-farms.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), tasked with mobilizing citizens to adopt beneficial practices, should be at the forefront of such campaigns. Yet, the agency’s current activities remain largely invisible, raising questions about its effectiveness and relevance.

A Call to Action: Little Drops of Water Make a Mighty Ocean

The saying, “Little drops of water make a mighty ocean,” holds profound relevance for Nigeria’s fight against hunger. If both the government and citizens adopt the ideas outlined here, significant progress can be made in reducing hunger. Here are some actionable steps:

1. Revive Agricultural Extension Services: The government must reinvigorate the role of AEOs, ensuring they provide practical, on-the-ground support to farmers. This includes leveraging modern communication tools like social media to reach a wider audience.
2. Provide Improved Seedlings and Resources: The government should distribute high-quality seedlings and farming resources to small-scale farmers, particularly those experimenting with innovative methods.
3. Launch Nationwide Campaigns: The NOA should spearhead campaigns to educate Nigerians on small-scale farming techniques and the importance of utilizing available spaces for agriculture.
4. Enhance Security for Farmers: Addressing the insecurity that drives farmers from their lands is critical. The government must prioritize the safety of farmers to enable them to return to their fields.
5. Promote Community-Based Farming Initiatives: Encouraging community-driven farming projects can foster collaboration and shared resources, making agriculture more sustainable and productive.

Related Stories and Historical Context

• The Impact of Insecurity on Agriculture: The displacement of farmers due to terrorism and banditry has had a devastating impact on Nigeria’s food production. Addressing this issue is essential for long-term food security.
• Climate Change and Agriculture: Changing weather patterns pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Adapting to these changes through innovative farming methods is crucial.
• The Role of Technology in Agriculture: Modern technologies, such as mobile apps and online platforms, can bridge the gap between farmers and agricultural experts, providing real-time solutions to farming challenges.
• Lessons from Other Countries: Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have successfully implemented community-based agricultural programs, offering valuable lessons for Nigeria.

Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity

The 2024 planting season presents a critical opportunity for Nigeria to address its hunger crisis. By embracing innovative farming methods, reviving agricultural extension services, and mobilizing citizens through effective campaigns, the nation can take meaningful steps toward food security.

The government must move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to support small-scale farmers. Nigerians, on their part, must harness their resilience and creativity to turn every available space into a source of sustenance. Together, through collective effort and determination, Nigeria can overcome the scourge of hunger and build a brighter, more food-secure future.

The time to act is now. Let the rains of 2024 mark the beginning of a new era of agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency in Nigeria.