Nigerian farmers suffer billions in losses as floods devastate farmlands

Farmers across Nigeria are grappling with devastating losses following recent heavy rains that have caused widespread flooding of farmlands. Findings indicate that numerous agricultural businesses are now struggling for survival under the impact of the deluge.

The situation is expected to worsen, as the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) issued a warning predicting flooding in about 17 states, including Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue, along with 11 other areas, between July 21 and July 27.

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The recent flooding in Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo, Etche and other local government areas destroyed not only crops but also poultry, fish, goats and other livestock worth billions of naira.

In Rivers State, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr. Akandu Nwagwuagwu, reported that flooding in Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo, Etche, and other localities has resulted in losses estimated in the billions of naira for both crop and livestock farmers. He shared a video showing submerged farmlands, highlighting that massive flooding had already eroded fields and destroyed crops, lives, and property by July 16.

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We are pleading with the Rivers State Government and organisations such as the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to assist Elema and other affected communities in finding a lasting solution to this situation.

Farmers in affected communities, such as Elema, are pleading for immediate assistance from the Rivers State Government and agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to find lasting solutions. Tragically, an 18-year-old boy lost his life on the Elema farm road due to the flooding.

Confirming the widespread plight, the National President of the Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria (POFAN) and Deputy National President of AFAN stated that reports of devastating impacts from Rivers, Anambra, and Bayelsa states continue to arrive. The Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) also reported significant damage to its members' farms in Rivers State. Farmers are calling for preventative measures, including early warning systems, insurance, and financial support from all government levels, alongside intensified public awareness campaigns.

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The reports on our desk show that our farmers have been badly affected by flooding this year in Rivers, Anambra and Bayelsa states.