Food production and market supply are showing steady recovery in Borno State, but challenges such as pest infestations, insecurity, and the soaring cost of fertilizer continue to cast shadows over the progress made by farmers and traders.
The report coincides with the 2025 World Food Day, as global bodies renew calls for stronger commitments to end hunger and malnutrition. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), around 30 million Nigerians risk facing acute food insecurity this year, with the northeast representing a major share of those affected.
For over a decade, conflict and displacement have disrupted farming in Borno, forcing many families to rely heavily on humanitarian aid. Yet, a slow revival is emerging as farmers begin reclaiming their farmlands and rebuilding their livelihoods.
One such farmer is Umar Mustapha from Tunkushe in Magumeri Local Government Area.
“I HAVE BEEN FARMING FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS,” HE SAID.
“HERE IN TUNKUSHE, ALHAMDULILLAH, WE ARE SAFE AND FARMING WELL. OUR ONLY BIG CHALLENGE THIS YEAR WAS PEST INFESTATION. IT AFFECTED ALL OUR FARMS, AND MANY OF US HAD TO REPLANT TWO OR THREE TIMES.”
He added that the rising cost of fertilizer continues to weigh heavily on local farmers.
“A BAG COSTS AROUND ₦40,000,” HE EXPLAINED.
“I NEED ABOUT 10 BAGS FOR MY FARM, BUT I CAN’T AFFORD THEM. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SUPPORT FARMERS WITH INSECTICIDES, FERTILIZER, AND MORE SECURITY.”
A Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report this year confirmed that inadequate farm inputs, pest invasions, and unpredictable rainfall still hinder productivity in parts of the northeast.
Food prices, availability on the increase
At Maiduguri’s bustling Monday Market, food traders share cautious optimism. Ali Yakubu, who has been in the business for four years, said the supply and variety of food items have significantly improved compared to the previous year.
“LAST YEAR, PEOPLE MOSTLY BOUGHT MAIZE, BUT THIS YEAR IT’S RICE,” HE SAID.
“PRICES HAVE GONE DOWN DRASTICALLY, AND FOOD IS NOW MORE AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE. PEOPLE STILL BUY IN SMALLER QUANTITIES, BUT WE THANK ALMIGHTY ALLAH FOR THE IMPROVEMENT.”
Yakubu noted that most of the food in Maiduguri markets now comes from local producers in Borno and nearby states, reflecting renewed agricultural activity across the region.
According to the March 2025 Cadre Harmonisé analysis, nearly five million people in the northeast could face food insecurity without continuous intervention. Still, better harvests across Borno have helped steady market prices and brought some relief to struggling families.
As the world observes Food Day, farmers in Borno remain hopeful that sustained support, improved security, and affordable inputs will help strengthen their resilience and ensure that hunger becomes a thing of the past.
