Ebonyi State has been recognised by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as the state in Nigeria with the most significant presence of agricultural activities. The National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) Report 2022 revealed that 99.5 percent of agricultural households in Ebonyi State are focused on crop cultivation, contrasting with Lagos, where only 48 percent of households partake in crop production. According to the NBS, Benue, known as Nigeria’s food basket, had the highest percentage of agricultural households involved in groundnut cultivation, accounting for 81 percent out of the 91 percent of households engaged in crop production.
Farmers in the food basket state are facing escalating attacks, exacerbating their already dire situation with various crises. The country’s food production is at risk due to the increasing violence. According to a report from SBM Intelligence in April 2024, the state has witnessed over 690 deaths and 130 casualties in the past thirteen months. The recent NASC report showed that 91 percent of farming households were surveyed, with 35 percent exclusively focused on growing crops and 48 percent involved in raising various Livestock.
Many households across the country practice agriculture.
Jigawa led with 84.2 percent of households involved in Livestock Production, making it the top state in this category, with Bauchi following closely at 79.7 percent. The NBS report also revealed that Benue had the highest percentage of agricultural households engaged in Poultry production at 65.2 percent, with Ebonyi coming in second at 63.3 percent. According to the NBS report, 42.5 percent of households raised poultry, mainly chickens, while five percent were involved in fisheries.
It was reported that maise, guinea corn, and rice were the top three crops grown, with yam, cassava, and cocoyam being the preferred root and tuber crops. Additionally, beans and cowpeas were the primary leguminous and vegetable crops, cultivated by almost half of agricultural households producing crops. In countries like Nigeria, Agriculture is a vital driver of economic progress and advancement. The impact of agriculture on the Economy is evident through its role in creating jobs.
More strategic policies can be formulated with the research.
The NASC report was commended by Abubakar Kyari, the minister of agriculture and Food Security, as a crucial step forward for Nigeria’s agricultural industry, offering essential information for making policy choices and mapping out future strategies. Ebonyi, known for its agricultural prowess, specialises in cultivating rice, yam, potatoes, maise, beans, cassava, and various other crops. The NASC report is the latest National Agricultural Sample Census conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics, representing a significant milestone as the first census of its kind since 1993.
By offering livelihoods to millions in rural regions, agriculture serves as a major source of employment. It provides employment not only in farming but also in food processing, transportation, and marketing industries. Offering job opportunities aids in decreasing Unemployment rates and alleviating Poverty, ultimately contributing to overall Economic Stability. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in guaranteeing food security by producing enough food to satisfy the demands of the population. Its transformative impact on rural communities leads to poverty alleviation and drives economic progress.
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A thriving industry decreases the need for importing food and boosts self-reliance in food production, leading to better Nutrition and health outcomes. Implementing sustainable methods further strengthens food systems, making them more resilient in times of emergencies and uncertainties, guaranteeing a consistent and safe food source for the people. This significance is particularly evident in nations like Nigeria, where a large population depends on agriculture for sustenance. Additionally, it serves as a crucial source of foreign exchange by exporting cash crops like cocoa, coffee, and cashews, which bolster Revenue and diversify Export earnings for the nation.
