Until the exploitation of oil reserves began in the 1980s, Nigeria’s economy was largely dependent on agriculture. Although only a tiny proportion of the population benefits from the oil boom, investment in agriculture has been allowed to decline to the extent that its productivity lags behind even some of the poorest countries in the region. Subsistence farmers work on rainfed plots of less than one hectare, restricted to local markets by decaying infrastructure and with little access to credit. The proportion of children aged under 5 who are underweight has fallen from 36% in 1990 only to 29% in 2005.

Nigeria is now substantially dependent on imported staples of rice and wheat, so much so that in 2006 it was the largest customer in the world for US wheat exports. Unlike its neighbours, the country is in a position to pay the higher prices now prevailing but this good fortune does not extend to poor rural households who are faced with massive price increases for inputs to their farms and for food needs beyond their own produce. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that 65% of the population is food insecure and the real test will come whenever inadequate rainfall or flooding impacts the harvest, which falls due towards the end of each year. A major programme of subsidised fertiliser is promised to support the 2009 harvest.

Help us to include all developing countries
Many countries are missing from our range of Country Briefings. OneWorld wants to fill these gaps as part of our efforts to improve understanding of the issues faced by developing countries. We receive no funding for the production of our educational resources. Every small contribution helps!