Some agricultural experts and environmental activists have called for increased support for smallholder farmers in order to achieve food security in Nigeria, rather than relying on industrial farming. They made this recommendation in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ workshop on the implications of industrial animal farming in the country. The workshop, organised by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), an ecological think tank and advocacy organisation, was convened following the recent entry of some global food companies into Nigeria.
The African Regional Director of World Animal Protection (WAP), Mr. Tennyson Williams, explained that industrial farming contributes significantly to climate change, with available records showing that such farmers emit high levels of carbon dioxide through their production systems. He stressed that instead of embracing industrial farming, the government should focus on supporting smallholder farmers who already produce about 70 per cent of the nation’s food supply. According to him, prioritising these farmers would strengthen food sovereignty and ensure that Nigerians retain the right to make decisions about what they eat. Williams further warned that allocating vast tracts of land for industrial farming could displace wildlife populations and undermine biodiversity.
Mrs. Joyce Brown, Programme Manager at HOMEF, echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of thorough environmental impact assessments before approving industrial farming projects. She warned that unchecked expansion of the sector could have severe environmental, social, and health consequences. Brown noted that antibiotic resistance and unhealthy food production practices were among the risks and urged Nigerians to play an active role in decision-making processes around food and agricultural policies.
Also contributing, Mr. Mayowa Shobo, Programme Manager at HEDA Resource Centre, said that the government should focus on strengthening local food security and safeguarding the interests of smallholder farmers. He noted that while investments in the agricultural sector are welcome, the presence of multinational companies often leads to abuse and exploitation of host communities, increased vulnerability to flooding, pesticide exposure, and limited accountability for damages. According to him, Nigeria should pursue food independence rather than excessive reliance on external players.
Similarly, the Assistant Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Mrs. Marrian Bassey-Olsson, clarified that stakeholders were not against investments but were concerned about the safety of Nigerians, their environment, and their right to healthy food. She questioned whether proper environmental assessments were being carried out and whether local communities had been consulted in the decision-making process. Bassey-Olsson stressed that their stance was not anti-development but a call for due process to ensure that investments do not jeopardise the well-being of Nigerians and the sustainability of the environment.