Post-Harvest Loss Cost Nigeria $9bn Annually—University Don

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, has revealed that Nigeria loses approximately $9bn annually to post-harvest losses.

The Director of Teaching and Research Farms at the university, Prof. Felix Ugese, stated that the Global Hunger Index ranks Nigeria 110th out of 127 countries, indicating “serious” hunger levels.

Speaking in Lagos at the Agroween Festival 2024, themed “Unlocking Agricultural Potential for Economic Growth,” Ugese highlighted the projection that 33 million Nigerians could face a hunger crisis by 2025, stressing the need for value addition to curb post-harvest losses.

The event, organized by the Intergenerational Rescue Foundation in collaboration with Yabatech, focused on addressing underdevelopment in the agricultural sector while fostering partnerships among stakeholders for economic growth.

Ugese disclosed that about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s annual agricultural production goes to waste, despite the country’s inability to meet its food demand.

He explained, “Value addition gives you higher returns for the effort made and reduces post-harvest losses. Currently, our post-harvest losses amount to over $9bn per annum, compared to the African average of $4bn.

“Reducing post-harvest losses could lead to $40bn in output gains, with farmers being the greatest beneficiaries. However, up to 50 per cent of what we produce goes to waste.

“At the current production level, the volume of food cannot feed our growing population. Without drastic measures to enhance productivity, we will witness more hunger.

“We rank 110th out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index. Currently, 25 million Nigerians require food assistance. By next year, this figure will rise to 33 million. It’s a dire situation unless something urgent is done,” Ugese warned.

He called for stronger partnerships between the federal government and the private sector to address the food crisis. He also emphasized the need for policies that improve access to affordable credit and increase the ratio of extension workers to farmers.

“There need to be private sector initiatives and increased investment in research and development. We need more research tailored to our specific needs instead of relying on other countries.

“Currently, in Nigeria, the ratio of extension agents to farmers is one to 10,000, compared to one to 1,200 in other African countries. This needs urgent improvement,” Ugese added.

The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibtaheem Abdul, noted that Nigeria must rethink its approach to agricultural reforms, as current strategies have failed to address the food crisis.

“There’s a saying that you can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result.

“If we think outside the box or even without the box, we can develop innovative ideas that will lead to new solutions,” Abdul stated.

Post-Harvest Loss Cost Nigeria $9bn Annually—University Don is first published on The Whistler Newspaper