Nigerian Farmers Face Multi-Faceted Challenges as Rainy Season Begins

With the onset of early rains in many regions, Nigerian farmers have commenced their operations for the 2026 wet season. However, this year's farming activities are overshadowed by numerous challenges that have plagued the agricultural sector in recent years, exacerbated by government policies and other critical issues.

Farmers are grappling with significantly increased production costs, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies which more than doubled the price of essential farming inputs. As the wet season kicks off, agricultural stakeholders nationwide have voiced their concerns about the daunting hurdles ahead.

One of the most pressing issues is the escalating insecurity. Banditry and other forms of violent crime have intensified in many agricultural communities, the very heart of food production. Recent reports indicate a surge in bandit attacks across several states, instilling fear and uncertainty among farmers preparing to return to their lands.

In Katsina State, a farmer, Alhaji Hassan Hussaini, voiced his apprehension over the renewed attacks, noting that farmers are hesitant to return to their farms. He stressed the need for lasting peace to encourage agricultural engagement during this crucial rainy season.

Niger State, a vital food basket, is also experiencing a severe rise in insecurity, which has significantly disrupted both irrigation and rain-fed farming. Alhaji Bala Mahmud Egge, Secretary of the All Farmers Association (AFAN) in Wushishi LGA, highlighted how insecurity prevents farmers from accessing and cultivating their lands, with many farms being destroyed by bandits.

In Niger State's Borgu Local Government Area, the situation is dire, with thousands of farmers displaced and numerous casualties reported due to insecurity in several wards, including Babanna, Kabe/Pissa, Konkoso, Shagunu, Dugga, Wawa, and Malale.

The cost of agricultural inputs presents another major obstacle. Garba Ahmed Bichi, Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kano State, noted the prohibitive cost of fertiliser, now priced at approximately N55,000 per bag. He recalled a time when distributing fertiliser was more accessible, a stark contrast to the current situation where farmers struggle to afford basic necessities.

While initiatives like 'Kantin Manoma' (farmers' shops) were introduced to provide inputs at subsidised rates, they have faced challenges, including abuse. Many farmers, like Aminu Inuwa, are reconsidering cultivation after incurring substantial losses, emphasizing that farming is no longer profitable due to the high input costs and low commodity prices.

Ibrahim Rufai expressed concern over persistently high fertiliser prices, despite speculations of government interventions. The cost of agrochemicals also remains high, with subsidies rarely extended to most farmers.

Dr. Stella Thomas of Tecni Seeds lamented that farmers are discouraged from purchasing seeds due to the influx of imported grains. She urged the government to subsidise seeds and halt food imports to revitalise local cultivation.

Despite these challenges, companies like RUSBI fertiliser are making efforts, planning to supply one million tonnes of NPK and Urea in Kano. Muhammad Rufai from RUSBI mentioned plans to train farmers on fertiliser application and explore post-harvest payment options to ease the burden.

Unpredictable market prices further compound farmers' woes. Many experienced significant losses last year, failing to recover their investments due to high input costs, transportation expenses, and the impact of import waivers on commodity prices.

Malam Kabir Umar, a farmer from Katsina, shared his distress over last year's losses, recounting how some farmers were forced to sell produce and even parts of their farms mid-season to survive.

Farmers are exploring alternative strategies, with some opting for organic manure over expensive fertilisers due to price disparities. Dan Asibi Funtua noted that a bag of urea costs N55,000 and NPK N65,000, pushing many towards using animal dung.

Government policies are also under scrutiny, with farmers in Taraba State, like Tanko Andami, Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association, criticising the government's continued allowance of maize and rice importation. This policy, he argues, indirectly harms the predominantly farming population of the North.

Transport fares and the cost of agrochemicals have also seen significant increases, making farming less attractive. Madam Lucy James highlighted a hike in motorcycle transport fares and increased prices for chemicals and fertilisers.

Abubakar Yahaya, a large-scale farmer, pointed out the unprofitability of farming due to high input costs and falling produce prices, making it difficult to maintain essential machinery like tractors due to the cost of diesel and spare parts.

The impact of regional conflicts, such as the Middle East conflict, also casts a shadow, potentially disrupting global fertiliser supply chains and exacerbating price volatility.

In Benue State, farmers report a lack of federal government interventions. Adole Edoga, a farmer with over 30 years of experience, stated he has never benefited from government support and finds farming unattractive due to the lack of value for produce.

Vitalis Tarnongu, Chairman of the Federation of Agricultural Commodities Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) in Benue State, described challenges in accessing fertilisers, agrochemicals, and seeds due to their high cost. He warned that without subsidies, smaller farmers would reduce their cultivated acreage, leading to lower yields.

Ernest Atoji, State Chairman of AFAN, however, expressed commitment to making fertilisers accessible through efforts to collate farmers' biodata for federal agencies. He also raised concerns about the prevalence of fake agrochemicals and the lack of standardised, affordable seeds in Benue.

The federal government's Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, launched in early 2025 with plans to procure 2,000 tractors and agricultural tools, remains uncertain for farmers, as the equipment has not yet been distributed.

Experts are advising the government to provide timely support and implement inclusive agricultural policies. Teryima Iorlamen, a Seed Systems Principal Investigator at JOSTUM, blamed government import policies for farmers' plight and urged support for climate-smart varieties.

Dr. Ibraheem Abdullahi, a consultant with Africa Green Initiative, stressed the need for Nigeria to boost local production and adopt climate-resilient farming practices.

Professor Rabiu Adamu of the Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, recommended organic farming as a way to reduce reliance on expensive inputs.

Meanwhile, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, assured stakeholders of substantial government support, including a N250 billion loan facility and the distribution of over two million bags of fertiliser for the 2026 season. He also encouraged farmers to apply for low- interest credit through the Bank of Agriculture and the FarmerMoni Programme.