Dams key in Nigeria attaining food sufficiency

Nigeria has continued to grapple with what could aptly be described as self-imposed food insecurity, poverty and environmental degradation. Millions of farmers across the country only rely on rain-fed agriculture, and are left with no other option than to remain idle throughout the dry season. Typically, there is no country that attains food sufficiency, and […]

Nigeria has continued to grapple with what could aptly be described as self-imposed food insecurity, poverty and environmental degradation.

Millions of farmers across the country only rely on rain-fed agriculture, and are left with no other option than to remain idle throughout the dry season.

Typically, there is no country that attains food sufficiency, and earmarked the extra for export through rainy season farming. Leaders must face the reality that fighting hunger requires adequate attention to the value chain, including all-year farming through adequate utilisation of dams, as well as providing improved seedlings and fertiliser to farmers on time.

According to the Compendium and Digital Map of Dams in Nigeria, the country has a total of 408 dams, the highest in Africa.

There are 142 big dams, 59 middle-sized dams and 207 small ones. There are also 323 irrigation schemes spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country, as indicated by the Compendium of Irrigation Schemes in Nigeria.

In addition to the irrigation schemes, there are over 23 River Basin Development Authorities, which also provide irrigation potential for farmers to engage in dry-season farming.

However, it is appalling to note that the country’s dams, which are critical infrastructure for irrigation, potable water, and sanitation, are in a state of disrepair.

A recent investigation by this newspaper revealed that most of the dams and irrigation schemes have become a nightmare for millions of Nigerians who were upbeat during construction that the facilities would be a source of livelihood for them.

The latest victims of how dams, meant to improve livelihoods, could in turn shatter lives are the people of Maiduguri, Borno State.

The recent collapse of the Alau Dam, constructed in 1984, is a case in point.

The incident caused widespread destruction, affecting over 70 per cent of Maiduguri town, displacing at least 419,000 people and negatively impacting several infrastructural facilities, including the state General Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, and the medium-security Nigerian Correctional Service facility where over 250 prisoners fled.

After the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said: “Our government has been responding to the recent natural disasters, particularly the flooding in parts of the country… Our government has also ordered integrity tests of all our dams in the country to avert future disasters.”

We are not sure whether the tests on the dams have started in earnest.  What is obvious is that the poor state of dams in Nigeria is a stark reminder of the government’s lack of commitment to investing in critical infrastructure that can drive economic growth, ensure food security, and protect the environment.

Dams are essential for irrigation, which is critical for agricultural production. Irrigation enables farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of the season, thereby increasing crop yields and improving food security.

However, with many of Nigeria’s dams in a state of disrepair, farmers are forced to rely on rainfall, which is unpredictable and can lead to crop failures.

On July 8, 2024, the federal government announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities. The goal was to reduce food inflation in Nigeria. Till date, there are no clear indications that importers have successfully brought in the food items.

We recall that when the initiative was launched, we at the Daily Trust commended the government with cautious optimism. This was rooted in our belief that Nigeria, with over 230 million people to feed, will not survive on stop-gap measures.  Leaders must approach food security with a high sense of seriousness and responsibility.

There are many countries that have achieved food sufficiency and exported the surplus using dams for irrigation.

For instance, Egypt’s Nile River is the lifeblood of its agriculture. The Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970, controls flooding, provides water for irrigation and generates hydroelectric power. It is self-sufficient in wheat, rice, and corn production and exports cotton, sugar and citrus fruits.

In faraway China, numerous dams have been built by the government including the Three Gorges to support the massive production of rice, wheat, and corn, making China self-sufficient in food production.

Another worthy example is India, which has constructed several large dams, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Sardar Sarovar Dam, to support its agricultural sector. These dams provide irrigation water for crops like wheat, rice, and cotton, making India self-sufficient in food production. India also exports agricultural products like basmati rice, spices, and tea.

Back in Nigeria, many communities rely on dams as a source of drinking water, and the neglect of these dams has led to the contamination of water sources, resulting in the spread of water-borne diseases. Furthermore, the lack of functional dams has also led to the scarcity of water for sanitation purposes, exacerbating the challenges of open defecation and poor hygiene.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector is critical to the country’s economy, accounting for over 20 per cent of the country’s GDP.

The government must take immediate action to invest in the rehabilitation and maintenance of the country’s dams and other irrigation schemes.

The recent reconstitution of the executive management of 12 river basin development authorities under the Ministry of Water Resources should not be seen as mere political patronage, but a wakeup call to achieving food sufficiency.