Need to Move from Small-Scale to Large-Scale Commercial Agriculture in Nigeria

Stakeholders say Nigeria must scale up from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture to boost food production, improve efficiency, and reduce reliance on imports. They argue that larger, mechanised farms could attract investment, strengthen value chains, and create more structured jobs, but stress that land access, infrastructure, and financing remain major barriers.

Daniel Momodu · May 29, 2026 · 26

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have called for a decisive shift from small-scale subsistence farming to large-scale commercial agriculture as part of efforts to strengthen food security and boost economic growth.

They argue that while smallholder farmers remain the backbone of food production in the country, their output is not sufficient to meet the demands of Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, leading to continued reliance on food imports.

Experts say the transition to commercial-scale agriculture would improve productivity through mechanisation, better access to inputs, and more efficient land use systems that support higher yields per hectare.

They also note that large-scale farming can attract private sector investment, improve value-chain development, and create more structured employment opportunities across production, processing, and distribution.

However, concerns remain around land access, financing constraints, and weak infrastructure, which continue to limit the expansion of commercial farming in many parts of the country.

Agricultural analysts further stress that policy consistency, improved rural infrastructure, and stronger support systems for farmers will be essential in successfully driving the sector’s transformation.

Overall, the call reflects ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector and reduce dependence on smallholder output as the primary source of national food supply.