Approximately 40.2 million households in Nigeria are involved in various forms of agriculture, representing over 70% of households nationwide, according to the latest findings from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Kano State leads with 2 million agricultural households, while Bayelsa State has the fewest at 340,000, as per the National Agricultural Sample Census Report 2022, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and other stakeholders.
A breakdown by the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, reveals extensive data on crop production, fisheries, forestry, and livestock activities, highlighting the crucial role of agriculture in Nigeria.
The report underscores that 16% of agricultural households are headed by females, predominantly in Anambra and Enugu States, with males leading 84% of households. Additionally, approximately 40% of households have members with formal education, and vocational training attendance stands at about 65%.
Crop cultivation is the predominant agricultural activity, accounting for 91% of practices, though less than 35% of households exclusively engage in crop cultivation.
Livestock farming follows at 48%, with poultry farming at 42.5%, goat farming at 41.2%, and cattle farming at 16%. Fishery represents the smallest sector at 5%.
The report further details that pure livestock, poultry, fishery, and forestry activities are uncommon across the country, with only 1.8%, 3.3%, 1.6%, and 0.1% of households engaging exclusively in these activities, respectively.
Notably, Lagos State reports the highest figures for pure livestock (9%) and pure poultry farming (20%), while Rivers State leads in pure fishery activities (16%).
The census covered 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 767 out of 774 local government areas included. Insecurity prevented coverage of the remaining seven LGAs, mainly in Imo and Borno States.
Adeniran emphasised the report’s significance in guiding agricultural policies for food security, poverty alleviation, and the proposed Gross Domestic Product Rebasing, highlighting its overdue nature since the last census in 1993/1994.
In the 2024 national budget, the Federal Government allocated N363 billion to the agricultural sector. Dr. Muda Yusuf of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise stressed the pivotal role of state governments in managing agricultural incentives and services.
Meanwhile, economist Dr. Vincent Nwani raised concerns over the efficiency of budgetary allocations in enhancing food production, suggesting a need for greater transparency and focus on direct agricultural outputs.