Daniel UGWO

 

My recent visit to Kaduna, particularly Zaria, was a revelation in agricultural productivity that could serve as a model for other states in Nigeria wrestling with rising food costs. Traveling along the expressroad from Abuja to Kaduna, I was struck by the extensive crop plantations flanking the road for several kilometres. This unambiguously contrasts with my experiences in Southwest Nigeria, where the open landscape is often dominated by encroaching bushes that require government funding for clearing—money that could be better invested in productive agricultural initiatives.

In Kaduna, particularly along the expressways, I observed the efficient use of land. The untarred sections adjacent to the road were transformed into thriving crop fields rather than being left idle or overrun by bush. This strategic utilization not only enhances food production but also contributes significantly to the local economy. In contrast, many roads in the West are bordered by unproductive land, which represents a missed opportunity for agricultural development. One of the most striking aspects of my visit was the cheap cost of food and hospitality in Kaduna, as though not part of Nigeria – in this present time of country’s inflation.

At the Ahmadu Bello University Cafeteria, I was astounded to find that a meal comprising two standard-sized Semovita wraps, two pieces of meat, and a 50CL Coca-Cola drink cost me only 1,200 Naira. In Southwest Nigeria, similar meals would easily cost upwards of 2,500 Naira. This price disparity can be attributed to the robust agricultural sector in Kaduna, which includes staple crops such as maize, yam, rice, guinea corn, soya bean, and peanuts. Additionally, cash crops like ginger, shea butter, and tobacco are cultivated extensively in the region (NBS, 2021). This is to talk less of peppers, fruits, livestock, and poultry.

 

Despite receiving less rainfall than many South-Western states, it produces more food. Kaduna experiences a mean annual rainfall ranging from 880mm to 1380mm aside Kafanchan which happens to be the wettest part of Kaduna. In Western Nigeria, Lagos total predicted rainfall for 2024 was 1,936.2 mm, which is higher than the long-term average of 1,721.48 mm. Other South-West states like Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti typically fall into a higher rainfall zone compared to the North, often exceeding 1,500mm-2,000mm annually. There are no tangible reasons why the South-West should experience low food production leading to rise in cost. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), effective irrigation and soil management practices have enabled Kaduna to maximize agricultural yield even under challenging climatic conditions (FAO, 2021). This adaptability is crucial as climate change increasingly threatens agricultural productivity across Nigeria. The implications of Kaduna's agricultural success extend beyond food production; they have a profound impact on the standard of living. The availability of affordable food contributes to improved nutrition and overall well-being for residents. If managed equitably and sustainably, this agricultural wealth could lead to further economic development and an enhanced quality of life for all citizens.

For instance; in 2020, Agriculture contributes 38.09% to the State GDP, it also created employment for about 42.4% of the population. To replicate Kaduna's success across other states, it is essential to attract more individuals into farming. According to 2020 report, out of about 9.5 million total population, 1,322,226 are households of famers. Among them, 1,316,937 practice raining days farming while 136,189 continue farming even during dry season. Kaduna State Government. (2021). *Kaduna State policy on agriculture* (p. 9).

 

Other state government could implement initiatives that provide training and resources for prospective farmers, particularly in areas currently being cleared with state funds. By transforming these idle lands into productive farmland, we can create jobs and stimulate local economies.

Furthermore, states in the South-West should consider adopting similar agricultural practices that have proven effective in Kaduna, such as crop rotation, diversification and implementation of farmer’s friendly policies. The land area of Kaduna is approximately 46,053 square kilometers (NBS, 2021), while Lagos—a state with a similar population—covers only 3,577 square kilometers. This discrepancy highlights the potential for agricultural expansion in Kaduna.

With ample land available for cultivation in other South-West state, there is an opportunity to convert unproductive land into arable fields that can significantly contribute to food security and economic growth.

 

Moreover, the Nigerian government should encourage inter-state collaboration and knowledge sharing to replicate Kaduna's agricultural strategies. States with high food prices should learn from Kaduna's model of leveraging available land for crop production. By investing in agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices, we can reduce food costs across the nation. The cheap cost of my meal in Kaduna was due to the fact that all raw materials, or rather, greater percentage of raw materials involved in the production of the meal were produced within the state.

In conclusion, implementing a "Green Kaduna" approach across Nigeria could serve as an effective antidote to rising food costs while enhancing food security. By leveraging on available land and fostering a culture of agriculture, we can create a more sustainable future for all Nigerians. It is time for us to recognize agriculture as a cornerstone of economic development and a pathway to improved living standards, rather that ascribing it as the responsibility of jobless and uneducated Nigerians who could be easy persuaded to give more for a less price.