- Nigeria is losing approximately ₦3.5 trillion annually due to large-scale post-harvest losses, primarily in perishable goods like tomatoes and onions
- Inadequate storage, poor infrastructure, and limited market access are key factors driving these significant post-harvest losses, deepening the country's food crisis
- Efforts to mitigate these losses are hampered by underutilised processing facilities, lack of cold storage, and insufficient support for farmers
Nigeria's food security crisis is being exacerbated by large-scale post-harvest losses, with nearly half of the country's agricultural produce going to waste each year. This issue is particularly severe for perishable goods such as tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables. Farmers, particularly in the northern regions, struggle with inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation infrastructure, and limited market access. These challenges lead to an estimated annual loss of N3.5 trillion, severely impacting the livelihoods of millions and worsening the country’s already dire food situation.
A report by Premium Times highlights the struggles faced by tomato farmers in Kano State, who are forced to sell their produce at rock-bottom prices due to the lack of proper storage and processing facilities. Despite the presence of the Dangote Tomato Processing Plant, which was established to reduce post-harvest losses and add value to local produce, the plant has been operating at less than full capacity. This underutilization is attributed to inconsistent electricity supply, logistical challenges, and a shortage of raw materials.
The investigation also sheds light on the broader systemic issues that contribute to these losses, including the failure of government initiatives to support farmers adequately. Many farmers lack access to modern farming techniques, proper storage facilities, and financial support, leaving them vulnerable to the whims of weather and market forces. The absence of cold chain infrastructure in key agricultural zones further exacerbates the problem, as perishable goods spoil quickly in the heat.
The post-harvest losses also have a direct impact on food prices, contributing to inflation and making it harder for ordinary Nigerians to afford basic foodstuffs.
The ripple effects are felt across the economy, from farmers losing potential income to consumers facing higher prices. This situation is particularly dire in the context of Nigeria's ongoing struggle with food insecurity, where millions are already at risk of hunger due to conflict and climate change.
Efforts to mitigate these losses have been hampered by a lack of coordinated policy and investment. While some private sector initiatives have shown promise, such as mobile storage solutions and market access platforms, these efforts have not been enough to stem the tide of waste.
The report calls for urgent action to address the structural issues that lead to post-harvest losses. These include improving infrastructure, providing better access to credit for farmers, and investing in technology that can help preserve produce and extend its shelf life.
It needs no emphasis that Nigeria's post-harvest losses are a significant contributor to the country’s food crisis, draining billions from the economy and deepening poverty and hunger. Addressing this issue would, therefore, require a concerted effort from both the government and the private sector, which must focus on improving infrastructure, supporting farmers, and developing sustainable solutions to reduce waste.
Without such measures, Nigeria's food security will continue to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for millions of its citizens.
“Is hunger a new thing?” See list of clerics who have asked Nigerians not to protest and why
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that amidst the rising food inflation and poverty, Nigerian clerics urged citizens to avoid protests, advocating for patience and prayer instead.
The list of clerics who asked Nigerians to continue to pray for Nigeria's prosperity and the reason for their choice was compiled, to give Nigerians an idea of why religion would not solve their problems.