Maize production is fundamental to Nigeria’s economy due to its commercial significance and high food value. It contributes substantially to the nation’s food security as a staple crop. National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) reports that maize is Nigeria’s most widely cultivated crop, covering over 12.4 million hectares of land.
A Brief Historical Overview of Maize in Nigeria
Introduced to Nigeria in the 16th century, maize has since become a staple in the country’s diet. According to FAOSTAT, it is the fourth most consumed cereal after sorghum, millet, and rice. Maize is an essential ingredient in traditional foods like pap, tuwo, and donkunu. Despite a decline in per capita consumption in 1994 at 35 kg/year maize consumption rebounded between 2001 and 2007.
Nigeria’s Maize Production and Yield Challenges
Nigeria’s production reached about 11 million metric tons (MMT) of maize in 2019, with 6.8 million hectares under cultivation. However, yields remain alarmingly low at 1.7 tonnes per hectare, compared to South Africa’s 4.9 tonnes and Ethiopia’s 4.2 tonnes. According to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), only 10% of Nigerian farmers use hybrid maize seeds, which could potentially double current yields.
Maize Production Expansion and Global Comparison
Nigeria is the second-largest maize producer in Africa after South Africa. However, maize production in Nigeria dipped slightly in 2020 due to climate challenges, reducing output by 1.55% from 12.4 MMT in 2019. Factors like adverse weather and inadequate fertilizer application contributed to this decline. Despite these setbacks, the country has the potential to boost its maize production significantly, particularly in the Savannah region, which offers fertile ground for expansion.
Economic Importance of Maize in Nigeria
Maize is of significant economic value to Nigeria, with versatile uses ranging from human food and animal feed to various industrial products. Research has it that, maize is more widely used than any other cereal crop. It is a major raw material for industries producing flour, beer, malt drinks, cornflakes, starch, dextrose, and syrup, while 60% of Nigeria’s maize production is allocated for industrial purposes (UNIDO, 2010). The demand for yellow maize, driven by poultry farming, is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.
The Role of Maize in Local Markets and Export Challenges
Despite being Africa’s second-largest producer of maize, Nigeria’s local demand far exceeds supply, leading to a shortfall of about 4 MMT annually. While an official export ban prioritizes domestic consumption, informal trade persists, with 50,000 metric tonnes exported in 2019 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Insecurity and climate-related challenges, including drought, also contribute to production gaps, forcing Nigeria to import maize, especially from countries like Argentina, China, and Brazil.
Key Challenges Facing Maize Production in Nigeria
- Inadequate Financing: Smallholder farmers often lack the capital or collateral for loans, although initiatives like the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Programme have mitigated this challenge.
- Poor Agronomic Practices: Limited knowledge of advanced farming techniques results in suboptimal yields.
- Low-Yield Seed Varieties: The widespread use of open-pollinated seeds, rather than higher-yielding hybrids, limits productivity.
- Insecurity: Conflicts between farmers and herders have adversely affected maize production.
- Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns, particularly droughts and floods, disrupt farming cycles.
- Post-Harvest Losses: Nigeria suffers from inadequate storage, leading to post-harvest losses of up to 30%.
Solutions for Boosting Nigeria’s Maize Production
Nigeria faces a maize production shortfall of 2–4 MMT annually, closing the demand-supply gap requires immediate action to improve seed quality, access to financing, and post-harvest storage solutions. Programs like IITA’s Business Incubation Programme aim to introduce disease-resistant maize varieties to close the production gap. By increasing the use of hybrid seeds from 10% to 50%, Nigeria could double its maize output, potentially reaching 20 MMT annually. Additionally, expanding agronomic training and ensuring better access to fertilizer and pesticides will play a crucial role in maximizing yields.
Conclusion
Maize is integral to Nigeria’s food security and economic stability. Addressing key production challenges such as inadequate financing, poor agronomic practices, and limited storage facilities can boost maize yields. Implementing hybrid seeds and improved farming methods will help Nigeria meet its growing maize demand, enhance food security, and uplift rural farmers’ livelihoods.
Photo Credit:
Michael Major/ICBA, https://www.flickr.com/photos/icba-dxb/albums/72177720315469277/