The agricultural sector of most developed countries are experiencing mind-blowing changes in form of technology adoption, favourable policy creation and implementation, increased access to loans and farm inputs, etc., all of which have helped the farmers of such countries to attain reduced cost, increased profit, food security and sustainable farming, at different levels.
However, despite the fact that the Nigerian agricultural sector has enormous potentials, small-holder farmers who make up the sector, are yet to tap into these potentials and achieve what other countries have achieved already, and keep advancing to break more grounds in the sector. Achieving reduced cost, maximum profit, food security and a much more sustainable farming requires a lot of interventions from both the government, farmers and other organizations in the country, following the huge amount of challenges the sector continues to face, some of which are the increased level of urbanization, reduction in the availability of land for farming in the urban areas and the dependence of small-holder farmers in the rural areas for continuous supply of food by the urban dwellers.
Tackling these challenges and achieving what most developed countries have already achieved over time, particularly in the urban areas, requires a much more definite and eco-friendly intervention, and that is where urban farming comes to play. Urban farming involves growing food in urban areas. It takes such forms as; urban beekeeping, backyard gardens, rooftop gardens, tactical gardens, greenwalls, greenhouses, aquaponics, aeroponics, hydroponics etc.
Achieving Reduced Costs through Urban Farming
The cost of setting up an urban farm depends on the type of urban farm the farmer wishes to have. Greenhouses and rooftop gardens are usually expensive to maintain and set up especially for an individual farmer but others like aquaponics, backyard gardens, hydroponics are usually cost friendly.
Achieving Maximum Profit Through Urban Farming
Urban farming is profitable to both the farmer and society, the urban farmer is close to urban markets for selling his/her products hence the cost of transportation is minimal or totally eliminated. Urban farms also serve the farmer and his family, the farmer can eat the food grown in the farm. To the society urban farming helps the society achieve
Achieving Food Security Through Urban Farming
Food security because nutritious food becomes readily available in places where urban farms are located. Urban farms also help the society achieve a sustainable environment, the air and water around urban centres are made clean through the crops in urban farms. In addition to this it helps reduce noise pollution and heat in urban areas
Achieving Sustainability Through Urban Farming
Urban farming provides a more sustainable way of farming compared to the traditional system of farming, as it ensures that food is made available all year round for urban dwellers, without compromising the ability of the future generations from reaping the fruits of urban farming.
Conclusion
The world is changing everyday, and so are the various sectors in it. The Nigerian agricultural sector can achieve reduced cost, maximum profit, food security and sustainable farming, when it begins to focus on modern ways of farming.
