Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria Struggle to Scale Circular Agriculture

Adetomiwa Kolapo and Isaac Busayo Oluwatayo surveyed 450 maize farmers across 48 communities to determine how public policy influences the adoption of circular practices. Their findings suggest that while farmers are naturally inclined to reuse maize stalks and manure to offset high fertilizer costs, the transition to energy-intensive systems remains stalled. Only 31% of respondents currently convert waste to energy, a gap attributed to the high cost of equipment and minimal technical support.

Governance remains the primary bottleneck for growth. Farmers reported deep frustration with agricultural services, citing diverted fertilizers and infrequent visits from extension officers. Although 73% of survey participants claim access to extension services, the practical utility of these interactions is often negligible. Furthermore, financial constraints exacerbate these issues; the average credit access of ₦12,325 is insufficient to cover the capital investment required for modern recycling technologies. Without significant policy shifts—specifically in transparency and service delivery—these sustainable practices remain localized survival strategies rather than drivers of regional climate resilience.