When we talk about food shortages and rising food prices in Nigeria, one of the biggest challenges often gets overlooked water access.
According to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, only about 5% of Nigeria’s farmland has irrigation.
That means over 90% of our fertile land relies entirely on rainfall. And when the rains stop, so does food production.
Now, just think about the untapped potential in that number.
A Big Missed Opportunity
For most Nigerian farmers, the dry season (November to April) is traditionally a time to let the land rest. No rain, no crops, no income. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Look at countries like Egypt and Morocco , they grow crops almost all year round because they’ve invested in irrigation.
Nigeria has plenty of rivers, lakes, and groundwater. If we could irrigate even 20% of our farmland, the boost to food supply, jobs, and exports would be huge.
Solar Irrigation Is Changing the Game
Here’s the good news: technology is helping farmers beat the dry season.
In parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, small farmers are using solar-powered irrigation systems. These systems are:
✅ Cheaper over time (no fuel needed)
✅ Eco-friendly
✅ Easy to maintain
✅ Reliable even in the hottest, driest months
With solar irrigation, even small plots can grow vegetables, grains, and cash crops all year round.
Why This Matters
Irrigation isn’t just about watering crops it’s about giving farmers power:
Food Security: Crops keep growing even if rainfall is unpredictable.
Higher Income: Off-season crops sell at better prices.
Jobs: More farm activity means more work for farming communities.
Climate Resilience: Smart water use protects the environment.
When farmers have water, they have the ability to feed families, earn a living, and strengthen the economy.
Imagine This…
Imagine a Nigeria where farmers don’t wait for rain where every hectare can grow crops 12 months a year.
Where communities thrive on solar irrigation, green fields stretch even in January, and food prices are stable because supply never stops.
That future isn’t far off it starts with awareness, investment, and action.
So here’s a question to think about:
What would you plant if water was never a problem?
Reference:
Federal Ministry of Water Resources (Nigeria), reported by Punch Newspaper: “There’s only 5.4% irrigated farmland in Nigeria – FG” (June 2023).
