Nigeria has been urged to make greater use of dry-season farming to increase food production, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen national food security.

The October-to-March period presents an important opportunity to expand irrigation-supported agriculture, reduce seasonal food shortages and attract private investment into the sector, according to agricultural commentator Michael Adedotun Oke.

Rather than allowing the end of the rainy season to slow agricultural activity, Nigeria can use its rivers, dams, reservoirs and other water resources to sustain crop production throughout the year.

Northern states offer significant irrigation opportunities

Several Nigerian states have favourable conditions for expanding dry-season agriculture.

Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi have potential for wheat, rice, onion and tomato production, while Sokoto and Zamfara are important centres for vegetable cultivation. Borno and Yobe could also strengthen agricultural production through irrigation around the Lake Chad basin.

Plateau State offers opportunities for potatoes and other horticultural crops, while the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring Nasarawa State could increase vegetable production to supply Abuja’s growing consumer market.

With suitable irrigation infrastructure, improved seeds, affordable farm inputs and effective extension services, dry-season farming could also expand into other parts of the country.

Irrigation access remains a major constraint

Despite the opportunities, access to affordable irrigation remains a significant challenge for smallholder farmers.

Many depend on expensive petrol-powered water pumps, while unreliable electricity, inadequate water infrastructure and limited access to credit restrict their ability to expand production.

Investment in solar-powered irrigation systems, small-scale water harvesting, rehabilitation of existing dams and improved water management could help address these constraints.

Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) and extension workers also have an important role in supporting farmers with improved crop varieties, efficient water-use techniques, soil fertility management, integrated pest control and climate-smart farming practices.

Investment must extend beyond production

Crops such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, rice and maize offer commercial opportunities during the dry season. However, higher production alone does not guarantee profitability.

Farmers also need access to storage facilities, transportation, reliable markets and effective post-harvest management. Cold storage, aggregation centres, rural roads and stronger connections between farmers, processors and urban markets are therefore essential.

Financial institutions, government agencies and private investors must also ensure that agricultural financing reaches farmers on time. Programmes supporting dry-season production should be assessed through measurable outcomes, including cultivated land, crop yields, market supply and farmers’ earnings.

The Bank of Agriculture’s collaboration with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) to support dry-season farmers reflects growing recognition of the sector’s importance. However, the impact of such interventions will depend on the actual improvements they deliver to agricultural production and rural livelihoods.

Sustainable water management is essential

As Nigeria expands irrigation-based agriculture, responsible water use must remain a priority.

Efficient irrigation, sustainable groundwater extraction and the protection of river ecosystems will be necessary to ensure that increased production does not undermine the country’s natural resources.

Federal and state governments, financial institutions, development partners and private investors have been encouraged to treat dry-season farming as a core part of Nigeria’s agricultural development strategy rather than a temporary seasonal intervention.

Nigeria has considerable land, water resources, farming capacity and domestic market opportunities. With sustained investment, better coordination and practical support for farmers, dry-season agriculture could become an important driver of food production, employment and economic diversification.