Nigeria is targeting a reduction in post-harvest yam losses from 40% to 25% by the end of 2027, as the Federal Government seeks to improve productivity, strengthen food security and unlock greater economic opportunities across the country’s yam value chain.

The target comes as the country celebrates the New Yam Festival, an important cultural occasion for the Igbo people of South-East Nigeria that recognises the harvest, honours farmers and reflects the importance of yam to community identity and livelihoods.

Beyond its cultural significance, yam is one of Nigeria’s most important staple foods, supporting millions of households and providing income for farmers, traders, processors and other participants in the agricultural sector. It is consumed in various forms, including pounded yam, yam porridge, and roasted or boiled yam.

Nigeria is among the world’s leading yam producers, accounting for approximately 67% of global production, according to figures presented by the Federal Government at the National Yam Advocacy Summit in February 2026. However, despite its production capacity, the country continues to face challenges in meeting growing domestic demand.

Government targets higher productivity

To address these challenges, the Federal Government aims to increase yam productivity from approximately 10 metric tonnes per hectare to 30 metric tonnes per hectare, while reducing post-harvest losses to 25% by the end of 2027.

Achieving these targets could improve farmers’ incomes, increase the availability of food and strengthen Nigeria’s position in international yam markets.

However, reaching the proposed production and loss-reduction targets will require investment and practical support across the agricultural value chain. Farmers need improved planting materials, modern equipment, affordable financing, agricultural extension services, adequate storage facilities and reliable markets.

Reducing losses after harvesting will be particularly important in ensuring that increased production translates into more yam reaching consumers and generating income for producers.

Making yam farming attractive to young people

The New Yam Festival also provides an opportunity to connect Nigeria’s agricultural heritage with future economic development.

Expanding yam cultivation could create employment opportunities for young people, support rural economies and strengthen the country’s food supply. However, attracting a younger generation into agriculture will require changing perceptions of farming from a traditional occupation into a viable commercial enterprise.

Access to finance, modern farming technology, training and markets will be important in encouraging young entrepreneurs to participate in yam production and processing.

As communities celebrate the harvest, the festival serves as a reminder of the economic and food security potential of Nigeria’s agricultural resources.

For a country facing food insecurity and rising food costs, preserving agricultural traditions must go hand in hand with investment in more productive farming systems, better post-harvest management and stronger markets.

Every yam harvested represents more than a cultural tradition. It also contributes to household food supplies, farmer livelihoods and the wider effort to strengthen Nigeria’s food security.