Titilayo Adesoga, a prominent agricultural economist and policy advocate, is challenging the conventional narrative that agriculture in Nigeria is solely about feeding the population. In a recent address, she argued that the sector must be reimagined as a vehicle for distributing opportunity—particularly to women, youth, and rural communities. According to Adesoga, “Agriculture isn’t just about food; it’s about who gets the opportunity to grow.”
Reframing the Agricultural Narrative
Adesoga’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with food insecurity and high unemployment rates. She emphasizes that the current focus on increasing crop yields and achieving food self-sufficiency overlooks the deeper structural issues. “We produce enough food in some areas, but the benefits are not shared equitably,” she stated. “The real question is: who controls the land, the seeds, the financing, and the market access? If we don’t address that, agriculture will remain a tool for inequality rather than empowerment.”
Her perspective is grounded in years of research and fieldwork across Nigeria’s agricultural zones. She notes that smallholder farmers—who produce the majority of the country’s food—often lack access to capital, training, and market linkages. Meanwhile, large-scale commercial farms and agribusinesses capture most of the value. This disparity, she argues, is a policy failure that perpetuates poverty.
Opportunity for Women and Youth
Adesoga particularly highlighted the role of women in agriculture, who constitute nearly 70% of the agricultural labor force in Nigeria but own less than 10% of the land. “We cannot talk about agricultural transformation without addressing gender equity,” she said. She called for land reforms, targeted credit schemes, and extension services designed for women farmers. Similarly, she urged the government to create incentives for young people to see agriculture as a viable career path, not a last resort.
“Youth unemployment is a ticking time bomb, but agriculture can absorb millions if we invest in agri-tech, processing, and value chains,” Adesoga noted. She cited examples of successful youth-led agribusinesses in states like Oyo and Kaduna, where young entrepreneurs are using digital platforms to connect farmers to markets and access financing.
Policy Recommendations
To shift the paradigm, Adesoga proposed several policy interventions: First, establish a national land registry to formalize land rights, especially for women. Second, create a dedicated agricultural opportunity fund with low-interest loans for smallholders and startups. Third, integrate agricultural education into school curricula from primary to tertiary levels. Fourth, invest in rural infrastructure—roads, storage, and electricity—to reduce post-harvest losses, which currently account for up to 40% of production.
She also stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making. “Without accurate data on who is farming what, where, and under what conditions, we are flying blind,” she said. Adesoga called for a national agricultural census to inform policy and target resources effectively.
Broader Economic Impact
Adesoga’s vision extends beyond social equity to macroeconomic benefits. If agricultural opportunities are broadened, she argues, Nigeria can reduce its food import bill—which stands at over $10 billion annually—and boost rural incomes, thereby stimulating domestic demand. “Agriculture is the largest employer in Nigeria, but it contributes only about 25% to GDP. That gap represents unrealized potential,” she explained. By making the sector more inclusive, the country could unlock significant economic growth.
Her message has resonated with development partners and civil society groups. Several organizations have already begun incorporating her framework into their programs. However, Adesoga cautioned that change requires political will. “We have the knowledge and the resources. What we lack is the collective commitment to prioritize opportunity over short-term gains,” she concluded.
