Young Farmers Push for Local Food Sovereignty, Livestock Investment as Protein Demand Surges
Against the backdrop of rising food inflation and heavy reliance on imported animal products, a new crop of young Nigerian farmers is leading a grassroots revolution in food production and livestock development. Operating from an integrated farm in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, the group is making a bold case for expanded government investment in domestic agriculture as a strategic lever for economic resilience, youth employment, and nutritional security.
In a field interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the young agriculturists—whose enterprise spans catfish, poultry, rabbits, snails, pigs, and earthworm farming—urged the Federal Government to ramp up support for small-scale local food producers through financing, training, and access to structured markets.
“We’re proving that agriculture is profitable, scalable, and youth-friendly. But to meet rising protein demand and expand operations, we need access to capital and market linkages,” said Mr. Ogese Samuel, an economist and co-manager of the farm.
Samuel emphasized that with Nigeria’s population projected to exceed 230 million by 2030, the need for self-reliant protein production is not just urgent—it’s inevitable. Yet, he said, the growth of ventures like theirs is being hampered by limited funding, high input costs, and inconsistent access to veterinary and inspection services.
Domestic Production vs. Import Dependence
Nigeria’s livestock sector remains underdeveloped despite its vast market potential. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 60% of processed meat and animal protein consumed in Nigeria is either imported or sourced through informal, low-yield supply chains—driving up prices and undercutting domestic producers.
“There is inelastic demand for food—people must eat daily. The government should see us as part of the national infrastructure,” Samuel added.
Industry experts have long argued that boosting local livestock production could save Nigeria billions in import bills while enhancing public health through improved food safety regulation.
The Mararaba farm serves as a model of integrated agribusiness—blending animal husbandry with crop production and waste recycling to create a low-emission, circular food system. The farm also works closely with state health inspectors to ensure hygiene and safety compliance, showcasing the possibility of responsible scaling within rural and peri-urban communities.
Youth, Dignity, and the New Agricultural Identity
Miss Maranata Fadawa, one of the farm’s directors, made a passionate call for more young Nigerians to turn away from illicit economic activities and embrace agriculture as a path to dignity and prosperity.
“Farming is hard work, but it brings honest income. We must drop the mindset that wealth only comes from shortcuts,” she said.
Fadawa noted that in the wake of persistent unemployment, especially among university graduates, agriculture offers a practical and purpose-driven alternative. But she stressed the need for intentional investments in training, digital agriculture literacy, and youth-led cooperatives.
The Business Case for Agripreneurship
As Nigeria seeks to diversify away from oil and build a non-oil GDP engine, the agribusiness sector remains one of the most undercapitalised yet high-potential frontiers. Experts say expanding the country’s livestock and aquaculture output could unlock $3–5 billion annually in revenue, while enhancing food sovereignty and cutting down on expensive imports of chicken, beef, and fish.
But tapping this potential requires more than slogans.
“We need youth-targeted grants, subsidised loans, access to land, and a reliable market structure where farm output doesn’t rot for lack of buyers,” said Samuel. “Without these, even the best ideas won’t scale.”
The group is also calling on development partners—especially those in agri-finance, rural technology, and food security—to collaborate with local youth-driven ventures to co-create solutions that are grounded in local realities.
BOTTOM LINE:
Nigeria’s young farmers are no longer waiting for handouts—they’re building agribusinesses that combine innovation, integrity, and impact. But to convert passion into scale, the government and private sector must meet them with the capital, infrastructure, and policy support needed to build a resilient, self-sustaining food economy.
