Despite Nigeria's abundant resources and thriving population exceeding 200 million people, the country faces a stark reality. A staggering 133 million individuals endure severe multidimensional poverty and grapple with food insecurity. This pressing issue is further exacerbated by the alarming loss of almost half of the annual food-crop production. In response to this urgent crisis, John Babadara, a 2022-23 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Cornell and founder of Tomatrix Nigeria, channels his efforts towards pioneering innovative solutions that address rural poverty and effectively mitigate food losses. In this field note, John demonstrates how leveraging socio-innovations and value chain approaches can reduce food loss and transform global agrifood systems.
New opportunities for Nigerian tomato farmers
Tomatoes hold immense significance not only in Nigerian cuisines but also as a major agricultural commodity in the country. Over 200,000 smallholder farmers cultivate tomatoes in Nigeria, positioning the country as the second-largest producer in Africa and the 12th globally. This versatile crop constitutes 20 percent of Nigeria's daily vegetable consumption, with annual market demand of approximately 2.3 million metric tonnes. Meanwhile, farmers across the country endure postharvest losses exceeding 45 percent, resulting in a supply deficit of approximately 500,000 metric tonnes. This not only constitutes economic losses but also an inefficient use of natural resources.
Following the 2015 Nigeria tomato crisis triggered by the devastating Tuta absoluta pest, significant investments were made in tomato production and pest management. A consequential outcome of increased production has been the surge in tomatoes ending up in landfills and dumpsites nationwide. Ironically, Nigeria is a big importer of tomato concentrates and paste to meet local demand in its offseason. The primary drivers of tomato postharvest losses in Nigeria are inadequate infrastructure, a weak policy environment, low-value addition, and limited market access.
Despite efforts to boost offtake levels, the consumer markets can only absorb a fraction of the supply in the peak production stages. To address this challenge, there is a need to streamline the supply chain by enhancing and allocating investments towards value-addition within the local communities, specifically during the post-harvest period. This approach would prolong the shelf-life of fresh produce with the potential to enhance the livelihoods of rural farmers, mitigate food loss and ensure year-round access to this important vegetable.
Northern Nigeria in particular is a key agricultural region with high production of fruits and vegetables, while unfortunately also grappling with high rates of poverty and undernutrition. Recognizing the critical significance, the Nigerian Government, along with international partners like USAID, GIZ, HortiNigeria and local actors like Tomatrix Nigeria, have prioritized the development of the horticulture value chain. This could help address food and nutrition insecurity while simultaneously alleviating rural poverty.
