Millions lost as Gombe tomato farmers struggle without storage facilities

Chima Azubuike highlights the struggles of tomato and pepper farmers in Bula, Gombe State, due to a lack of storage facilities. This issue not only threatens their livelihoods but also affects Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Bula, known for its vibrant vegetable fields, faces high harvest losses because of poor infrastructure. Farmers like Aliyu Maikudi, who earns up to N7m annually, face significant challenges despite their success. Rising fertilizer costs and the absence of storage solutions force farmers to sell at low prices or risk crop spoilage. Maikudi, the chairman of Bula’s Vegetable Farmers’ Association, urges government intervention to reduce post-harvest losses through mini-processing factories and better infrastructure. Without immediate action, Bula’s agricultural potential remains under threat.
Source: Punch

Our Review
The challenges faced by tomato and pepper farmers in Bula, Gombe State, exemplify critical issues in Africa’s agri-food value chain. Lack of storage facilities not only leads to massive post-harvest losses but also weakens the entire supply chain, from production to market delivery. This infrastructure gap significantly reduces profits for farmers, disrupts market stability, and undermines food security. Addressing these challenges through investments in cold storage, mini-processing factories, and farm service centers can help farmers optimize yields, store produce longer, and sell at more favorable prices. By strengthening these links in the value chain, decision-makers can foster sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, enhancing both local and national economies.