Nigeria’s Rising Cost of Food Sparks New Wave of Urban Farming

With food prices climbing and household budgets under pressure, a quiet revolution has been taking place across Nigerian cities: urban farming. From rooftop gardens in Lagos to small backyard vegetable patches in Ibadan and Abuja, more Nigerians are discovering that planting their own food can ease the strain on daily expenses.

The movement started slowly, but it has now become a trend. Many young professionals who once relied entirely on supermarkets have begun growing tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and okra in small containers. Social media influencers share tips on composting, drip irrigation, and low-budget vertical gardens, inspiring thousands to try farming in tight spaces.

The economic benefits are clear. Families save money, reduce visits to the market, and enjoy fresh, chemical-free produce. Some residents have even turned the practice into micro-businesses, selling vegetables to neighbors within their estates.

Experts say the shift could help reduce the country’s dependence on long-distance food transport, especially as insecurity continues to affect farming communities in the North. State governments are also catching on, with a few launching urban farming workshops and providing starter kits to beginners.

Urban farming might not solve all of Nigeria’s food challenges, but it has shown that with creativity and determination, Nigerians can find practical ways to feed themselves — even in the middle of rising costs.