How maize price pushed more Katsina farmers into massive cultivation

Despite insecurity preventing many farmers from accessing their farms, maize production in Katsina State reached a ten-year high in 2024. Farmers were driven by high maize prices, which peaked at N97,000 per 100kg, and the ongoing food crisis. Sani Aliyu, a Malumfashi farmer, noted that many switched to maize, including in northern areas traditionally focused on millet and sorghum, thanks to drought-resistant maize varieties. Intercropping with beans, whose price has soared, further motivated farmers. However, grain hoarding remains a major threat to food security, as hoarders stockpile for future profits, keeping prices high.
Source: DailyTrust

Our Review
The significant increase in maize cultivation in Katsina State, despite security challenges, highlights resilience in Nigeria’s agri-food sector. This surge is driven by high maize prices and a broader food crisis, which pushed farmers to pivot from traditional crops like millet and sorghum to drought-tolerant maize varieties. This shift is crucial for the value chain, as it boosts supply, diversifies crop production, and supports food security. However, the continued high prices and grain hoarding pose risks, undermining efforts to stabilize the market and meet consumer demand.
From a value chain perspective, the adoption of resilient maize varieties, like Maizehyb-5 and Maizehyb-6, aligns with sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing productivity in arid regions like the Sahel. Intercropping maize with beans also maximizes land use efficiency and profitability, presenting a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
Informed decisions on market regulation, storage management, and input support can foster growth and mitigate food scarcity impacts. Addressing hoarding through policies can stabilize prices, ensuring fair returns for farmers and affordability for consumers, ultimately strengthening the entire agri-food value chain.