Nigeria’s agricultural productivity continues to suffer as many farmers plant inappropriate seed varieties due to lack of access to accurate and reliable information, an agricultural expert has warned.
The Executive Director of the Foundation for Sustainable Smallholders Solutions (FSSS), Isaiah Gabriel, said the persistent use of wrong seed varieties has remained one of the major but often overlooked challenges affecting food production across the country.
• SeedConnect Africa: FG vows to strengthen food security through better seeds quality
• Shettima calls for revival of agriculture clubs in Nigerian schools
Gabriel explained that many smallholder farmers unknowingly plant seeds that are not suited to their local soil types, rainfall patterns, or prevailing climate conditions, leading to poor yields, crop failure, and financial losses.
“A significant number of Nigerian farmers still rely on recycled seeds or varieties that are unsuitable for their agro-ecological zones. This is largely due to weak extension services and limited access to credible agricultural information,” he said.
According to him, the problem is more pronounced among smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food system but lack the resources to access certified seeds or expert guidance. He noted that climate change has further worsened the situation, as changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures demand more climate-resilient seed varieties.
Gabriel stressed that planting the wrong seeds not only reduces yields but also increases farmers’ vulnerability to pests, diseases, and unpredictable weather conditions, ultimately threatening national food security.
He called on the federal and state governments to strengthen agricultural extension services and improve the dissemination of information on certified and climate-smart seed varieties. He also urged closer collaboration between research institutes, seed companies, and farmers to ensure that the right seeds reach the right locations at the right time.
“Nigeria has the research capacity to develop high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds, but the challenge lies in getting this information and these seeds to farmers in rural communities,” he added.
The expert further appealed to policymakers to invest more in farmer education, seed certification, and monitoring systems to curb the circulation of substandard or fake seeds in local markets.
Agricultural analysts warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address the issue of seed quality and suitability, Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food sufficiency and reduce reliance on food imports may remain elusive.
