Food Wastage in Nigeria and its Many Hazards
By Aliyu Umar Aliyu
Food wastage in Nigeria is an alarming issue, particularly due to post-harvest losses, which tremendously affect food security, economic growth, and sustainable agriculture. Post-harvest loss is defined as any reduction in the quantity or quality of food that makes it unfit for consumption.
Studies indicate that Nigeria loses over 50% of its harvested food due to poor storage, handling, and transportation. While the government has launched various agricultural initiatives to boost food production, little attention has been given to post-harvest storage and management.
Despite various agricultural programs such as Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) and the Green Revolution by past governments, Nigeria continues to struggle with food wastage. Large quantities of fruits, vegetables, and tubers are produced in excess during harvest seasons, yet a large portion is lost due to inadequate storage facilities.
For instance, fruits and vegetables are particularly perishable, and without proper preservation methods, they begin to shrink, rot, or become unfit for consumption shortly after harvest. A visit to any major market in Nigeria reveals heaps of spoiled tomatoes, onions, oranges, yams, and other agricultural produce that never reach consumers.
The issue is widespread, affecting both urban and rural areas, with farmers often forced to sell at low prices or discard their products due to oversupply and lack of storage. In Northern Nigeria, it is common to see heaps of spoiled citrus, pineapples, pumpkin leaves, bitter leaves, papaya, avocado pears, cashew fruits, and mangoes.
In the West, particularly in Lagos, markets are flooded with rotten tomatoes, oranges, onions, and leafy vegetables. Similarly, in the East, especially in Onitsha, large piles of rotting oranges, mangoes, onions, vegetables, and even yams are a common sight.
The situation is even worse in rural areas where large portions of food never leave the production sites due to poor road networks and inefficient transportation systems. It is important to note that food wastage leads to substantial financial losses for farmers and traders.
When surplus food cannot be stored properly, farmers either sell at extremely low prices or discard their produce. Additionally, Nigeria spends millions of Naira annually importing processed food products that could have been locally sourced if proper storage facilities were available.
While large quantities of food go to waste, many Nigerians, especially in remote and riverine areas, suffer from food shortages and malnutrition. The contrast of food wastage in one region while another experiences hunger brings to light the need for a better food distribution system.
Beyond the economic and nutritional impact, rotting food contributes to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change. The improper disposal of waste food also leads to health hazards, such as the spread of bacteria and pests in markets and dump sites.
To address this issue, the government, private sector, and research institutions must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions. The government should encourage research institutions, universities, and polytechnics to develop affordable and efficient storage technologies.
One such innovation is the vegetable basket, which uses evaporative cooling to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This simple and cost-effective solution can help farmers reduce losses. Additionally, cold storage facilities should be established in strategic farming areas.
These facilities, managed by cooperatives or private organizations, would allow farmers to store perishable goods for longer periods and reduce wastage. Poor roads and inadequate transport networks prevent farmers from quickly moving their produce to markets.
The government should invest in better rural infrastructure to ensure timely transportation of food products. Additionally, market linkages between farmers and buyers should be strengthened to facilitate the direct sale of farm produce.
Government agencies such as the Agricultural Development Project Service (ADPS), River Basin Authorities, and the National Orientation Agency should actively educate farmers on proper food handling and storage techniques. Training programs should focus on low-cost preservation methods, improved packaging, and better market strategies.
Food processing industries can equally play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses. By converting fresh produce into processed goods such as dried fruits, tomato paste, and fruit concentrates, Nigeria can minimize waste while creating job opportunities.
The government should provide incentives for entrepreneurs and companies investing in food processing. Effective policies should be put in place to encourage food preservation and reduce wastage. This includes incentives for businesses that invest in cold storage, tax benefits for agro-processors, and stricter regulations on food handling and transportation.
Food wastage in Nigeria is a major economic and social problem that requires urgent attention. While the country has made strides in increasing food production, the lack of proper storage and distribution systems continues to undermine food security.
By investing in storage technologies, improving infrastructure, and promoting food processing, Nigeria can significantly reduce food wastage, improve farmers’ incomes, and boost the economy through agricultural exports. It is time for all stakeholders; government agencies, researchers, farmers, and the private sector, to take action and ensure that food meant for consumption does not end up as waste.
Nigeria has the potential to become a global leader in food production, but this can only be achieved if post-harvest losses are effectively addressed.
Aliyu Umar Aliyu is the Head Strategic Communication,Bureau of Public Service Reforms, He can be reached via: aliyuumar721@gmail.com