Sustainable Agribusiness Drives Nigeria’s Future: Expert Insights

Sustainable Agribusiness
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By Ify Onyekwere

The Development Report Show featured an in-depth discussion on “Sustainable Agribusiness for the Next Generation: From Farm to Market.” During the August 10, 2024, episode, Opeyemi Salako, an agricultural business person shared insightful perspectives on the crucial role of agriculture in securing a sustainable future for Nigeria.

Salako emphasized that in an era where economic stability and sustainability are critical, agriculture stands out as a sector with unparalleled potential. “If you are going to look into a business that is sustainable and can give you sustainability, you have to look into agriculture because other sectors have to eat on a daily basis,” Salako remarked. He highlighted the transition from an education system designed to produce white-collar workers to an era where entrepreneurship and self-sustained businesses are the norms. According to him, this shift necessitates a reevaluation of agriculture’s place in the economy, positioning it as a key driver of sustainability.

Agriculture, as Salako pointed out, is not just a profession but a livelihood that is deeply intertwined with daily survival. He argued that if more Nigerians engaged in farming, even on a small scale, it would reduce dependence on the market and mitigate the high costs of food driven by logistics challenges. “When the whole nation is depending on some set of people to feed the nation, it will definitely affect all and be costly,” Salako noted, stressing the importance of widespread participation in agriculture to enhance food security.

Central to the discussion was the concept of sustainability, which Salako defined as the nation’s ability to exist and develop without depleting its natural resources. He underscored that sustainability in agriculture supports long-term goals, ensuring that future generations can meet their needs without compromising the environment. This, he believes, is crucial for the continued growth and prosperity of Nigeria.

Salako also addressed the youth, a demographic that he sees as pivotal in driving the future of sustainable agribusiness. He highlighted the intersection of technology and agriculture as a fertile ground for innovation and growth. “As a tech server and also a youth, you have a great opportunity in agriculture,” Salako stated. He pointed out that skills in coding and artificial intelligence can be leveraged to revolutionize agriculture, making it more efficient and accessible. By bringing technological innovation into agriculture, youth can support local farmers, improving the link between producers and consumers and enhancing overall agricultural productivity.

The integration of technology in agriculture, according to Salako, also facilitates partnerships that are essential for sustainable development. He encouraged young people to partner with local farmers, utilizing their skills to ease agricultural processes and, in turn, gain valuable experience that would be beneficial when they decide to venture into their agribusinesses. This partnership he pointed links to the 17th SDG – Partnerships for the Goals. These partnerships, he explained, are not only beneficial for the individuals involved but also for the broader goal of sustainable agricultural development.

Salako was keen to dispel the outdated perception of agriculture as a menial occupation. He noted that in many parts of the world, farmers are highly regarded and agriculture is seen as a lucrative and prestigious career. “The youth needs to know that agriculture is not what it used to be; agriculture is very attractive. In the Western world, if you are a farmer, you are a big man,” he stated, urging Nigerian youth to recognize the potential within the agricultural sector and to embrace it as a viable and rewarding career path.

Salako highlighted Nigeria’s unique position in the global agricultural landscape in his discussion. He described agriculture as the nation’s “commonwealth” and its strength, lamenting that the country’s focus shifted with the advent of crude oil. However, he expressed optimism that with the right focus and investment, agriculture could once again take its rightful place as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.

Looking ahead, Salako painted a bright picture of the future of sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. He stressed that for this future to materialize, it is crucial to engage and encourage more youth to adopt agricultural practices. Failure to do so, he warned, could result in severe consequences for the nation’s food security and overall stability. “The future of sustainable agriculture is bright, and that is why we need to encourage a lot of youth in Nigeria to adopt agriculture,” Salako asserted, adding that the nation’s reliance on agriculture is not just an economic issue but one of national security.

Salako’s vision for the future of agriculture in Nigeria is deeply intertwined with technology. He argued that the future of agriculture lies in adopting sustainable practices facilitated by technological innovation. This, he said, is essential not only for promoting agricultural sustainability but also for ensuring food security across Nigeria and the African continent. To achieve this, Salako called on the government to invest in capacity development, which he believes is critical for equipping the next generation of young people in agribusiness with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector.

Opeyemi Salako’s insights on The Development Report Show underscored the critical role of sustainable agribusiness in Nigeria’s future. His call to action for the youth to embrace agriculture, coupled with the integration of technology and innovation, presents a roadmap for a sustainable and prosperous Nigeria. As the nation looks to the future, it is clear that agriculture, supported by sustainability and innovation, will be a key pillar of its development.

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