Subtotal € 0,00
As Nigeria’s population continues to grow rapidly, agricultural sustainability and food security are becoming urgent priorities. The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) recently weighed in on this issue, suggesting that hydroponics and aquaponics could be more viable solutions than traditional or organic farming methods in the near future.
In a public statement, Mr. Femi Oke, the Southwest/Lagos State Chairman of AFAN, emphasized that organic farming, while beneficial for the environment, is currently not sufficient to meet the nation’s increasing food demands. Speaking in Lagos, he highlighted the economic and logistical barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of organic practices in a country with over 200 million people and rising.
“We sometimes encourage our farmers to embark on organic farming,” Oke said, “but the truth is that organic farming cannot cater to our growing population. If we fully adopt it, we will struggle to feed the nation. That’s why we must explore alternatives.”
The Challenge of Organic Farming in Nigeria
Organic farming, by definition, avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial additives. It is recognized globally for promoting soil health, ecosystem balance, and biodiversity. However, it typically yields less than conventional methods, and the cost of producing organic food is often higher due to the need for manual labor, crop rotation, and pest management without chemicals.
In Nigeria’s current context, where inflation is affecting the prices of staple goods and food security is threatened by climate change and urban expansion, the scalability of organic agriculture is limited.
While organic farming has its place in niche markets and rural communities, AFAN believes it should not be relied upon as the primary model for feeding Nigeria’s expanding population, especially in urban areas.
Hydroponics & Aquaponics: A Sustainable Solution
AFAN recommends investing in hydroponic and aquaponic systems—innovative and sustainable methods of farming that require no soil, less space, and minimal water.
-
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil. Plants grow faster, and yields can be significantly higher in controlled environments.
-
Aquaponics integrates hydroponics with aquaculture (fish farming). Fish waste provides natural fertilizer for plants, and the plants, in turn, purify the water for the fish, creating a closed-loop, eco-friendly system.
These approaches are already being used in many developed countries and urban centers around the world where space and water are limited. For example, rooftop hydroponic farms are thriving in places like Singapore, Netherlands, and Dubai, producing vegetables, herbs, and fruits year-round.
In Nigeria, especially in densely populated cities such as Lagos, hydroponics could offer a revolutionary shift in urban agriculture. It enables the local production of fresh food close to the point of consumption, reducing transport costs and carbon emissions.
Aligning with Vision 2030 and the SDGs
Nigeria’s commitment to long-term development is reflected in its Vision 2030 strategy, which focuses on building a diversified economy, fostering innovation, and achieving food security. Introducing hydroponic farming in Nigeria is directly in line with these goals.
Furthermore, hydroponics and aquaponics support several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
-
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By increasing local food production
-
SDG 6: Clean Water – By reducing water waste in agriculture
-
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Through advanced agri-tech systems
-
SDG 13: Climate Action – By lowering emissions and improving resilience
By adopting these systems, Nigeria can not only address its internal food challenges, but also emerge as a regional leader in sustainable agricultural innovation.
What’s Needed for Success?
To make hydroponic and aquaponic farming accessible and scalable in Nigeria, policy support and investment are essential.
AFAN is urging:
-
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to introduce incentives for modern farming systems.
-
Training and capacity-building programs for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
-
Public-private partnerships to support agri-tech startups and infrastructure.
-
Inclusion in urban development planning, especially in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international partners also have a role to play in research and technology transfer.
The Future of Farming in Nigeria
AFAN’s suggestion to embrace hydroponics and aquaponics reflects a growing global awareness that traditional farming may no longer be sufficient to meet future demand. In Nigeria, where climate variability, population growth, and food insecurity intersect, now is the time to embrace innovation.
Hydroponics in Nigeria offers a scalable, efficient, and climate-resilient solution. Not only can it reduce dependency on imported food, but it can also empower local communities, create jobs, and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Conclusion
While organic farming remains a noble and environmentally friendly approach, it must be complemented with technology-driven agriculture. Hydroponics and aquaponics are practical, proven alternatives that align with Nigeria’s Vision 2030 and global sustainability goals. With proper planning and support, Nigeria has the potential to lead Africa in the next wave of smart, sustainable food systems.
Read more at Enviro News Nigeria
