Nigeria is facing food crisis which may turn to the worse if not addressed. High inflation, extreme climate shocks, corruption and a 15year armed conflict in parts of Northern Nigeria have intensified food insecurity. According to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), 33 million Nigerians are at the risk of food insecurity in 2025. This is a sharp increase from the 25 million people who were food insecure in 2024.
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS reported that Nigeria’s food cost soared up to 95 per cent in 2025, with the South East region most severely hit. One major reason for the food crisis in the South East is the significant surge in food prices, recorded for three straight months, making it difficult for residents to afford staple food items. This is partly because the region has limited access to land, low income levels, and high unemployment rates, making it challenging for people to produce or purchase food.
Additionally, the region’s agricultural sector is heavily reliant on unpredictable weather patterns, and climate change has led to increased variability in rainfall, prolonged droughts, and more frequent flooding, which has reduced food production and increased prices. The conflict in the region and the herdsmen menace also disrupted agricultural activities, forced many farmers off their land, and reducing local food production, further exacerbating the crisis. The high cost of food in the South East is also attributed to the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023, which triggered a dramatic rise in prices, particularly for transportation, making it even more challenging for farmers to get their produce to market. As a result, the cost of food has risen by 95 per cent in Nigeria, with the South East region being the hardest hit.
Overall, the food crisis in the South-East region of Nigeria is a complex issue driven by a combination of factors. To address this crisis, it is essential to implement a comprehensive strategy that combines immediate relief with sustainable solutions to foster long-term resilience. Anambra State has enormous potential to reverse the current food crisis in the region. The State has a total land area of approximately 4,844 square kilometres. The lands are almost 100 per cent arable, making it a highly fertile and productive region for agriculture. This is due to its location in the Niger belt, which is known for its rich soil and favourable climate. With its arable land, Anambra State has the potential to be a major producer of crops such as oil palms, maize, rice, yams, and cassava, which are already being grown in the state.
Reversing the food crisis in the South East, requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of the issue.
Considering its limited land mass and arable land, the following strategies could be explored:
Urban agriculture: Promote urban agriculture, such as rooftop gardening, container gardening, and hydroponics, to increase food production in urban areas.
Aquaculture: Develop aquaculture, such as fish and shrimp farming, to provide alternative sources of protein and income.
Agro-processing: Establish agro-processing facilities to add value to agricultural produce, reduce waste, and create employment opportunities.
Farm clusters: Establish farm clusters, where smallholder farmers can pool their resources, share knowledge, and benefit from economies of scale.
Partnerships and collaborations: Foster partnerships and collaborations between farmers, agribusinesses, research institutions, and government agencies to leverage resources, expertise, and funding.
Agricultural modernization: Introduce modern farming techniques, such as precision agriculture, irrigation systems, and crop rotation, to improve crop yields and reduce waste.
Irrigation infrastructure: Develop and maintain irrigation systems to support farming activities, especially in areas with limited rainfall.
Land reclamation and rehabilitation: Identify and reclaim degraded or abandoned lands, and rehabilitate them for agricultural use.
Crop diversification: Encourage farmers to diversify their crops to include high-value, nutritious, and climate-resilient crops, such as high-yielding cassava, yams, vegetables, onions, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, pepper etc
Livestock development: Promote livestock production, such as poultry, fish, and pig farming, to provide alternative sources of protein and income.
Support for Smallholder Farmers: Provide training, credit facilities, and market access to smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of the agricultural sector.
Agricultural extension services: Strengthen agricultural extension services to provide farmers with technical assistance, advice, and support.
Food storage and preservation: Develop efficient food storage and preservation facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and maintain food quality.
Policy and regulatory Framework: Develop and implement policies and regulations that support agricultural development, such as subsidies, tax incentives, and trade agreements.
Youth engagement: Encourage youth participation in agriculture through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programmes to inject new ideas and energy into the sector. Anambra can become the game changer for the region in terms of agriculture by promoting aquaculture. The state can develop a thriving aquaculture industry, focusing on fish and seafood farming. This can include catfish, tilapia, and shrimp farming, which can be exported to other parts of the country or internationally.
Irrigation from coastal water sources: The state can harness coastal water sources, such as rivers and streams, to irrigate farmlands, reducing reliance on rainfall and increasing crop yields.
Coastal soil management: Anambra State can implement coastal soil management practices, such as saltwater irrigation and soil amendment, to improve soil fertility and reduce soil salinization.
Marine-based fertilizers: The state can produce marine-based fertilizers, such as fish bone meal and seaweed extracts, to provide a sustainable and organic alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
Coastal erosion control: Anambra State can implement coastal erosion control measures, such as seawalls and dunes, to protect farmlands and communities from the impacts of coastal erosion and flooding.
Agro-tourism: The state can develop agro-tourism initiatives, such as farm tours and eco-lodges, to attract visitors and promote the state’s agricultural products.
Coastal-based agricultural research: The state can establish research institutions and centres of excellence to study and develop new technologies and practices for coastal-based agriculture, such as salt-tolerant crops and aquaculture.
Fish processing and packaging: Anambra State can develop fish processing and packaging facilities to add value to its seafood products and increase their shelf life, making them more competitive in domestic and international markets.
Public-private partnerships: The state can partner with private sector companies and international organizations to invest in coastal-based agricultural projects, such as aquaculture and irrigation infrastructure, to boost the sector’s growth and development.
Anambra State can learn a lot from Israel, a country known for its innovative and efficient agricultural practices, to boost its own agriculture and lower the cost of food. One key area is dripping irrigation, which Israel has mastered to conserve water and increase crop yields. By adopting this technology, Anambra State can reduce its reliance on rainfall and improve crop production, especially in areas with limited water resources.
Another area of learning is greenhouse farming, which Israel has used to grow a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Greenhouses can provide a controlled environment for crops to thrive, regardless of the weather outside, and can help Anambra State increase its food production and reduce its reliance on imported goods.
Israel is also a leader in agricultural research and development, with a strong focus on innovation and technology. Anambra State can learn from Israel’s approach to R&D, which includes investing in cutting-edge technologies, such as precision agriculture, and collaborating with international partners to stay ahead of the curve.
Additionally, Israel’s cooperative farming model can be an inspiration for Anambra State. In Israel, farmers often work together in cooperatives to share resources, expertise, and risk, which can help small-scale farmers in Anambra State to access markets, improve their productivity, and increase their incomes.
Finally, Anambra State can learn from Israel’s emphasis on agricultural education and training, which is critical for building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. By investing in agricultural education and training, Anambra State can equip its farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to adopt new technologies and improve their overall productivity and efficiency.
By adopting these strategies, Anambra State can boost its agriculture, lower the cost of food, and improve the livelihoods of its farmers and citizens.