Agriculture: Backbone of Africa’s Economies

Historically, Agriculture has been the lifeline of African economies, and today, its importance is recognized as a major sector capable of driving widespread economic transformation.

With the sector contributing approximately 22 percent of Africa’s GDP and employing over 60 percent of the continent’s labor force, this sector has a significant impact on African livelihoods and economic stability. By investing in agriculture, Africa has the potential to accelerate GDP growth, enhance food security, create employment opportunities, mitigate inflation, and address social issues such as banditry. The strategic focus on agriculture is essential for sustainable development across Africa and creating a more resilient future.

Africa has vast arable land, a favourable climate, and diverse agricultural products, which create significant opportunities for boosting productivity and exports. Despite these advantages, African agriculture has historically been underdeveloped, with many countries relying on subsistence farming practices that yield low productivity.

Investment in modern agricultural practices, such as mechanisation, efficient irrigation systems, improved seed varieties, and climate-smart farming techniques, can significantly boost crop yields and production volumes. This productivity increase can drive GDP growth by raising the agricultural sector’s output, expanding exports, and creating a ripple effect that benefits related industries, such as agro-processing, transportation, and retail. Furthermore, exporting agricultural products generates foreign exchange earnings, helping countries strengthen their economies and build reserves for economic stability.

Lets look at the many benefits of Agriculture to the continent

Guaranteed Food Security

Food security is a major issue in Africa, where millions face hunger and malnutrition due to inadequate food production, high import dependency, and limited access to affordable food. Strengthening agriculture is essential for addressing these challenges. As African countries increase food production through modernised and efficient agricultural practices, they can reduce reliance on food imports, thereby protecting themselves from global food price volatility and supply chain disruptions.

Increased food production also enables African nations to supply enough food to meet domestic demand, making food more accessible and affordable for the population. This improvement in food security reduces malnutrition, enhances public health, and supports productivity by ensuring that citizens are better nourished and able to contribute to the economy. Moreover, food security fosters resilience, allowing countries to withstand external shocks, such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts, that impact global food supplies.

Africa is blessed with a young and rapidly growing population, with employment creation becoming a crucial focus for the continent’s leaders. Labour-intensive agriculture holds enormous potential to absorb this workforce, especially in rural areas with limited employment opportunities. By shifting from subsistence to commercial agriculture and developing agro-industries, Africa can create various job opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Agricultural development includes crop cultivation and areas like food processing, distribution, marketing, and technology services. Each area creates new roles, ranging from skilled and semi-skilled labour to entrepreneurship opportunities for agripreneurs who can drive innovation and efficiency in the sector. Additionally, as agribusinesses grow, they stimulate local economies, increase household incomes, and promote rural development. This employment generation reduces poverty and encourages the development of a stable, prosperous rural society.

Crubing banditry and social restiveness

It’s no longer news that rural poverty and lack of economic opportunities are among the root causes of banditry and social instability in Africa. Young people, who often lack education and employment, may turn to crime or illegal activities as a means of survival. This situation is especially prevalent in areas where agriculture has declined or climate change has disrupted traditional farming practices, leading to food scarcity and economic insecurity.

By creating sustainable agricultural jobs, improving rural incomes, and promoting agribusiness, Africa can address some of the drivers of banditry. A thriving agricultural sector provides young people with alternatives to crime, fostering a sense of purpose and improving community stability. Furthermore, agricultural investment brings infrastructure, education, and healthcare to rural areas, which enhances the quality of life, reduces poverty, and contributes to a culture of peace. In this way, agricultural development has a direct impact on reducing social instability, which in turn creates a safer environment for investment and long-term growth.

Reduces inflation through domestic food production

Inflation is persistent in many African countries, often driven by high food prices. Because many African nations rely on food imports, they are vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices and currency devaluation. This dependency contributes to inflation, as the cost of imported food rises with global market shifts, impacting the cost of living and reducing purchasing power.

With an increase in domestic food production, inflation is controlled by stabilising food prices. When local production meets or exceeds demand, the reliance on imports decreases, which makes food prices more predictable and affordable. Moreover, reducing food imports strengthens the local currency, as less foreign exchange is spent on purchasing food abroad. By boosting agricultural productivity, African countries can mitigate inflationary pressures, create a more stable economic environment, and improve consumer affordability, particularly for low-income households disproportionately affected by rising food prices.

Agricultural Development in Africa and Challenges

While agriculture remains a solution to economic transformation, several challenges form impediments to its progress. African farmers need more access to financing, adequate infrastructure, climate-related risks, and market access. These obstacles must be addressed to fully unlock the potential of agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and social stability.

Finance as a Vital Ingredient

Smallholder farmers often need more financial resources to invest in quality inputs, modern equipment, or advanced techniques. Affordable financing options like microloans, subsidies, and insurance enable farmers to improve productivity.

Developing Infrastructure

Poor infrastructure, such as inadequate roads, storage facilities, and limited electricity, hampers market access and leads to significant post-harvest losses. Investing in rural infrastructure is vital for connecting farmers to markets, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity.

Understanding Climate Change in Agriculture

Agriculture in Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change, with weather patterns becoming very unpredictable, droughts, and floods impacting crop yields. Climate-smart agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture, crop diversification, and resilient crop varieties, are essential for building resilience.

Value Chains and Access to Markets

Fragmented value chains and limited market access prevent farmers from reaching larger, more profitable markets. Developing efficient supply chains and establishing agricultural cooperatives can help farmers access markets, improve bargaining power, and increase profitability.

The Role of Private Sectors, Private Sectors, Other Investors

To fully explore the potential of agriculture, African governments, private sector entities, and development partners must work together to create an enabling environment for agricultural transformation. Some key initiatives include:

Investment in Agricultural Technology and Mechanisation

Technologies such as precision farming, improved irrigation methods, and digital platforms can significantly increase productivity. Digital solutions, including mobile apps, can provide farmers with real-time information on weather, crop prices, and best practices.

Building Capacity and Training

Vocational training and extension services are vital for equipping farmers with modern skills and knowledge, particularly for young people entering agriculture. Agripreneurship programs can also encourage youth to view agriculture as a profitable and sustainable career.

Public- Private Relationships

The relationship between governments, private enterprises, and non-governmental organisations can help develop robust agricultural value chains, expand access to finance, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Strengthening policy frameworks

Governments can play a crucial role by implementing policies that support rural development, improve land tenure security, and incentivise agricultural investment. Tax incentives, subsidies, and land reforms are policies that can create a more favourable environment for agribusiness.

Agriculture is at the heart of Africa’s sustainable growth and development pathway. Agriculture can transform the continent as a sector that drives GDP growth, ensures food security, provides employment, reduces inflation, and addresses social instability. By investing in agricultural modernisation, strengthening rural economies, and empowering smallholder farmers, Africa can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector.

In doing so, Africa will secure food and jobs for its population, build resilient economies, foster social stability, and pave the way for a prosperous future. As African countries prioritise agricultural development, they set a course for economic self-reliance and create a foundation for inclusive growth that will benefit future generations.

EDITORIAL

Severe Flooding May Threaten the 2025 Harvest of Nigeria’s Abakaliki Rice as Farmers Express Concern

The harvest of a popular rice in Nigeria, called the Abakaliki rice may witness a poor harvest this year if the heavy rains persist. This is also with the flooding that has followed.

According to the rice farmers who spoke through the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday,the situation is threatening the 2025 rice production cycle and could lead to a significant price increase for local rice.

They reported that continuous downpours have caused waterlogging and submerged vast farmlands, destroying crops in key rice-producing areas of the state.

While speaking to Nairametrics Mr Emmanuel Nwali, a prominent rice farmer in Izzi Local Government Area, said nearly half of his rice farm had been submerged due to the heavy rainfall.

“The floods have destroyed most of our work. What is left is already turning yellow.

“It has been raining almost daily since mid-July. We may not expect a bountiful harvest this season,” Nwali lamented.

Another farmer, Mr Chinedu Okenwa, said he lost his nursery beds to flooding, resulting in the loss of major resources.

“I don’t know how to make up for the losses because, as it stands, I cannot transplant. The nursery has been destroyed.

“We risk poor yield this season, and that may cause a sharp rise in the price of local rice next year. We are facing a difficult period due to the weather,” Nwali lamented.

Similarly, Mr Aloysius Njoku, a commercial rice farmer, said he had lost a large portion of his rice farm to flooding and feared the development would negatively affect the harvest.

“The rains and the attendant flooding have been so devastating. If nothing is done, rice will become scarce and expensive, and everyone will feel it,” Njoku said.

Mrs Sylvia Elom, a civil servant and subsistence rice farmer, expressed concern that the destruction of farmlands by heavy rainfall would impact many households that rely on rice cultivation for their livelihood.

“Rice is the major source of income for the majority of our people who are mainly agrarians. When floods destroy our farms, we are left with nothing,” she said.

A source at the Ebonyi Ministry of Agriculture, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the state government is tracking the effects of the current flooding on farmlands.

He added that the government was also compiling reports from affected areas for an appropriate response.

A private agricultural extension expert,Dr Paul Onwe explained that rice is highly sensitive to prolonged flooding.

He added that heavy rainfall poses serious threats to rice farms, especially those located in swampy areas.

He advised farmers to pay close attention to weather forecasts before embarking on rice cultivation, noting that the Federal Government provides early warning advisories at the beginning of each farming season.

“Submerged fields suffer from stunted growth, nutrient deficiency, and fungal diseases,” Onwe warned.

According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Ebonyi is identified as one of the states expected to experience flooding during the 2025 rainy season.

Ebonyi is one of Nigeria’s leading rice-producing states, and rice traders in major Abakaliki markets have expressed fears that rice prices may rise due to anticipated poor harvests.

CREDIT – Nairametrics

EDITORIAL

Crossing the hurdle of Desertification by Afforestation

Over the years, Agriculture in Africa has been plagued by desert encroachment, deforestation and unplanned agriculture. This has led to the gradual disappearance of semi-arid lands, such as grasslands or shrublands.

According to history, the word ‘desertification’ originated from a French botanist André Aubréville’s 1949 work on African rainforests, though a study argues that it may even be traced back to the 19th-century French colonial North Africa. Talks of desertification in Africa began when the Comité d’Etudes commissioned a study to explore the prehistoric expansion of the Sahara Desert, which was obviously due to natural occurrences at the time. The phenomenon has existed in Africa for thousands of years and isn’t new.

However, with societies developing and human activities rising, desertification has worsened considerably in recent decades.

It is no longer news that Africa is home to one of the world’s most famous deserts, the Sahara, which is growing at a rate of 48 kilometres per year. Desertification and the expansion of deserts were not initially due to human-induced climate change, as they are nowadays. The world’s greatest deserts formed through natural processes interacting over many years, such as the evaporation of water, upward winds, the descent of warm air and low humidity.

The European Commission’s World Atlas of Desertification posited that more than 75% of the Earth’s land has already degraded. Unsurprisingly, the majority of desertification is due to climate change from the destruction caused by extreme weather events, such as droughts and fires. Reports from the United Nations Development Program’s Drylands Population Assessment II, disclosed that arid lands account for two-thirds of the African continent and three-quarters of Africa’s drylands are used for agriculture.

The United Nations (UN) also observed that more than 24 billion tons of fertile soil erode annually due to desertification, which can happen for various reasons. The most common are deforestation, poor agricultural and livestock practices, including overexploitation of natural resources. Desertification has a massive impact on the environment, including loss of biodiversity and vegetation, food insecurity, increased risk of zoonotic diseases (an infectious disease transmitted between species) such as COVID-19, loss of forest cover and shortages of drinking water due to the loss of aquifers.

Unfortunately, human activity has more recently come to either grow or shrink these deserts. To put human contributions into perspective, the Sahara has been growing rapidly since the 1920s, covering 10% more land than it used to, according to a study by National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded scientists at the University of Maryland (UMD). The modern study of desertification that we are familiar with today, which considers climate change, emerged from studying the 1980s drought in the Sahel region, which is inarguably the most vulnerable region on the continent.

The Sahel lies between the Saharan Desert and the Sudan Savannah. It is a 3,000-mile stretch of land that includes ten counties and is under constant stress due to frequent droughts, soil erosion, and population growth, which has increased logging, illegal farming and land clearing for housing.

The 1980s drought is not the first human-induced event that affected the Sahel region. The desert has historically experienced a long series of droughts, but one of the most significant is the Sahelian drought and famine of 1968. It lasted until 1985 and was directly linked to the death of approximately 100,000 people and the disruption of millions of lives. Human exploitation of natural resources (such as overgrazing and deforestation) was originally believed to be the sole cause behind the drought. Still, it has been suggested that large-scale climate changes also triggered the drought.

Despite being the most affected area in Africa, the Sahel is not the only region dealing with desertification. Some of the most affected areas include the Karoo in South Africa, which has endured semi-arid conditions for the last 500 years, Somalia, which has suffered three major drought crises in the last decade alone, and Ethiopia, with 75% of its land affected by desertification and a major famine between 1983 and 1985. With desertification becoming a more significant problem each year, these consequences will only increase if nothing is done to curb the climate crisis.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been very active in studying and developing arid areas for some time. The integrated management of natural (and particularly plant) resources in arid areas has been pursued in multiple programs: baseline studies on arid areas since the 1950s; an integrated programme to develop the Mediterranean area in the early 1960s; numerous studies and programmes in the 1970s and 1980s, notably the FAO/ Unesco programme evaluating and mapping desertification (1979), the inventory and monitoring of pastoral ecosystems in the Sahel (particularly in Senegal), a study on soil degradation (FAO/UNEP/UNESCO 1975), and the EMASAR Programme (International Cooperative Programme on the Ecological Management of Arid and Semi-Arid Rangelands in Africa, the Near East and Middle East); finally, numerous programmes developed during the last 30 years, with the UNDP or under trust fund sponsorship, to control wind erosion and sand movement at the national and regional levels.

Forest Trees to the Rescue

The multi-purpose utilization of woody species and formations conditions policies and particularly rural development programmes in arid areas. A strategy has gradually taken shape, particularly after the incidence of drought in a number of areas and both regional coordination, such as the CILSS/UNSO/FAO Consultation on the Role of Forestry in a Rehabilitation Programme for the Sahel (1976) and the Green Belt Project in North Africa, and intra-regional and global coordination such as the United Nations Conference on Desertification (1977), FAO’s Expert Consultation on the Role of Forestry in Combating Desertification (Saltillo, Mexico, 1985) and the Silva Conference organized by France (Paris, 1986) together with FAO and the EEC.

The emerging strategy is based on: i) a recognition of the role of forestry in arid areas with due consideration of the different ecological, social and economic factors; ii) a framework of principles (integration, diversification of activities, recognition of the role of each plant storey, the return of forest benefits to the local communities), objectives and priority areas for action.

The objectives are mainly to sensitize all interested parties to the importance of tree and forest resources in the sustainable use of the natural resource base; to consider natural resource conservation and enhancement in national development plans; and to channel greater and more varied natural resource management benefits to the local communities.

The Tropical Forests Action Programme (TFAP) has confirmed and consolidated these objectives in its respective components for the control of desertification, the conservation of watersheds in arid areas, the production of wood-based energy and agro-silvo-pastoral integration. Recent developments confirm the need for the integration of forest resource management in arid areas in actions to promote sustainable agricultural development, the conservation of biological diversity and integrated land management.

FAO’s recent programme, “the Conservation and Rehabilitation of African Lands”, recognizes the impact of deforestation and degradation of tree and shrub cover in arid areas on the degradation of African lands and prioritises actions for the management of forest resources and plant rehabilitation to control desertification.

This strategy is reflected in FAO’s forestry activities in arid areas. Within the framework of its regular programme, it supports national institutions about planting techniques, the improvement of trees and woody species genetic resources in arid areas; it operates related information exchange networks with the regional and subregional organizations; it publishes case studies, guidelines and handbooks on agro-forestry and the contribution of trees and shrubs to agricultural production in arid areas, on the development of fuelwood resources and the enhancement of soil fertility, water use and watershed management.

In conclusion, information and experiences related to arid-area forestry are exchanged through FAO’s statutory bodies, particularly the Regional Forestry Commissions for Africa, the Near East and Europe and their joint “Silva Mediterranea” Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions, with its five technical cooperation networks.

EDITORIAL

Flooding And The Future of Nigeria’s Food Security

Floods are synonymous with rainy seasons and can be very unpredictable. This is due to the uncertain nature of where the excess water overflow could come from. Several factors have, over the years, triggered heavy flooding in Nigeria even when the rains may not be heavy.

In Nigeria, the rainy season often brings bad news. As the rains grow heavier and more frequent, both the government and citizens are gripped by the fear of flooding. Numerous areas have already suffered from floods, with varying degrees of damage to infrastructure and tragic loss of lives.

Very recently, devastating floods have hit several agrarian regions of Nigeria, resulting in significant losses. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, in 2024, flooding affected 7.5 million people across 18 countries in West and Central Africa. Chad was the hardest hit, with 1.9 million people affected, followed by Niger (1.5 million), Nigeria (1.3 million), and DR Congo (1.2 million).

Haruna Markus is a farmer based in Mokwa, in Niger State, Nigeria, and recounted his losses after a bridge collapsed .” I have a vegetable farm where I survive after being retrenched from my previous job. This particular farm provides me with tomatoes, peppers, and various vegetable crops. I couldn’t go close to the raging flood when I saw it sweep across my farmland at high speed.

“I only prayed in my heart that when it flows away into the river that something should be left for me to feed my family with. This did not happen. As I speak, my farm is like a football field as I just planted again, but still afraid the floods will come again. We need the government to help us.”

Another respondent, Alhaji Gambo, who supplies yams to Ibadan, Lagos, and other cities in Nigeria, lamented the huge loss from the flood.

‘ A night before the unfortunate incident, a truck had arrived from Jebba to convey some orders for me to Lagos. I had just escorted him to a welder who helped him fix up a damaged part of his truck. The next day, we woke up to see our storage farm overtaken by flood, and not a single yam was seen either floating or heaped. I can’t imagine how I feel right now. This situation applies to most of my friends, too.
“Government should please come to our aid as farmers because some of us will be forced to sell at excessive prices to cover up some loss,” he concluded.

By July 2025, approximately 129,000 people had been impacted by floods in the Central African Republic, the Congo, Nigeria, DR Congo, and Ghana.

These floods have severely disrupted livelihoods and basic social services. In Nigeria and the Central African Republic alone, at least 5,300 houses have been destroyed or damaged, 3,800 of which are in Nigeria. Over 5,300 hectares of farmland have also been affected, posing serious threats to food security.

Since the onset of flooding this year, at least 361 people have died, while up to 600 people, especially farmers and families, remain unaccounted for following deadly floods that swept through Mokwa, Niger State, last month.

According to the latest UN Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, “disaster costs now exceed $2.3 trillion annually when cascading and ecosystem costs are taken into account.”

NiMET recently warned that Sokoto State faces a high risk of flash floods. Other states with notable risk are Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

Residents in these states have been advised to evacuate, if necessary, clear drainage systems, prepare emergency kits, turn off electricity and gas during floods, strengthen mudslide prevention measures, and promote community awareness. Children should be kept at home whenever flooding is observed along their routes to school.

Despite collecting over N620 billion in ecological funds over 14 years to support environmental sustainability and disaster management, states have failed to protect their communities from the ravages of flooding.

A June 2025 report by SBM Intelligence revealed that since July 2024, floods have inundated 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states, affecting roughly 1.2 million people. The deluge has destroyed an estimated 180,000 hectares of cultivated farmland, delivering a severe blow to the country’s agricultural productivity.

Policy lapses have worsened the problem, particularly concerning the yearly release of excess water from dams within Nigeria and the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

Overflows from dams remain a critical issue, alongside ongoing challenges of coastal erosion and flooding.

Agreements to construct mid-level dams to contain excess water from the Lagdo Dam have yet to be implemented.

The Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency and state emergency management agencies, must brace up for the upcoming floods to prevent further loss of lives and property in 2025 and beyond. Flooding is a seasonal challenge that demands proactive planning by governments and their agencies.

Relief centres should be established for those displaced by flooding, with clear plans to return them to their homes as quickly and safely as possible.

While many residents of low-lying areas may resist evacuation, government and aid agencies must take necessary interventionist measures to save lives.

Nigeria must build resilience with support from willing development partners to significantly mitigate flooding. Town planning and proper drainage control are essential for creating liveable built-up environments.

States like Lagos have long struggled with violations of setback regulations meant to protect drainage systems.

State and local governments have a duty to Nigerians to ensure regular environmental sanitation and promote proper refuse disposal by citizens.

Observers say the future of the agricultural sector in its fight towards attaining food security may be dealt a great blow if measures are not put in place against flooding.

GYANT

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