Nigeria is facing the prospect of a severe food crisis in 2026 as farmers across the country threaten to abandon agriculture due to soaring production costs, insecurity, and massive post-harvest losses.
Farmers from states including Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Kaduna have raised alarms that escalating expenses are making farming unprofitable. Fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel have tripled in price over the past two years, pushing many farmers into debt and prompting some to consider leaving the sector entirely.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that approximately 34.7 million Nigerians could experience severe food insecurity during the lean season between June and August 2026 if urgent action is not taken. Analysts warn that reduced domestic food production would drive up staple prices, worsening poverty and hunger nationwide.
Post-harvest losses are a major concern, with up to 40% of produce wasted due to poor storage, inadequate transport infrastructure, and logistical inefficiencies. Insecurity in farming regions compounds the problem, discouraging farmers from continuing cultivation.
In response, the federal government has launched the Nigeria Post-Harvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST) to modernize storage facilities, introduce cold chains, and reduce food wastage. However, farmers say government support remains insufficient, calling for targeted interventions such as subsidized inputs, improved rural infrastructure, and better security in vulnerable regions.
Experts warn that without immediate measures, Nigeria could face sharply rising food prices, deepening poverty, and a shrinking agricultural sector posing serious threats to both economic stability and national food security. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
