Over 70% of Nigerians work in agriculture. Despite its substantial contribution to the country’s economy, however, the sector remains under-covered in the news.
Farmers’ stories often aren’t amplified, as a result, nor are their concerns conveyed to policymakers. Meanwhile, many lack sufficient knowledge about climate change and how to adapt to it.
There is too little capacity and interest in newsrooms to cover agriculture, explained Abdulkareem Mojeed, an agricultural correspondent for the Premium Times Nigeria.
“This is largely because agricultural stories would ordinarily take reporters to local/rural communities, where they engage with farmers [who are] often perceived as poor people in this part of the world, unlike the political beat, where they would be engaging the elites,” he said, adding that a lack of political interest also contributes to the coverage gap.
In 2023, Yunusa Ya’u, director at the Centre for Information, Technology and Development, launched Farmers Voice to provide more thorough reporting of agricultural issues and to amplify the voices of farmers by highlighting their challenges and successes alike.
Here’s how this outlet is doing so, along with advice to help reporters improve their reporting on the beat:
Taking action
The inspiration behind Farmers Voice stemmed from a recognition of the pivotal role agriculture plays in Nigeria’s economy, coupled with the lack of media attention the sector has commanded, said Buhari Abba, a copy editor at the outlet.
“We wanted to promote a knowledge-based agricultural sector through accurate reporting of the growths in the sector, keep farmers informed about innovative approaches and create awareness about what challenges they face,” said Abba.
Farmers Voice has reported on farming practices, market trends, policy changes and innovations. The newsroom connects farmers with prospective consumers, too, and presents their concerns to government officials in hopes to influence policy. "Our key priority areas include promoting sustainable farming methods, highlighting success stories and addressing challenges within the sector," said Abba.
Farmers Voice also organizes workshops during which experts offer guidance on agricultural practices and farm management. During one of its workshops last July, farmers from Kano State were educated on drip and sprinkler irrigation, greenhouse crop production, and pest and disease control.
“I have gained knowledge and insights on pest and disease management and how to enhance [my] farming practices and increase productivity,” said one local farmer, Muhammad Ismail, who attended the workshop.
Telling the stories
Since its launch, Farmers Voice has published articles and research that capture the challenges faced by farmers and the need for the government to intensify investments in the sector to improve agriculture yield.
For example, one story looked at how hippopotamus attacks on farmlands in Gombe State were affecting agriculture, and how the state government is tackling this by hiring forest guards to use drones, fly boats and ride motorcycles to enhance surveillance of the waterways.
In another report, Farmers Voice reporters captured how bandit attacks thwarted plans by one agriculture expert to expand ginger production in Kaduna state. This article examined how local farmers generated N700 million [about US$525,000] in revenue from sugarcane sales.
Obstacles
Farmers Voices’ agriculture coverage has not come without its challenges. Financial sustainability is chief among them.
“There are a lot of stories we want to tell, but we cannot do that because we do not have the funds,” said Abba. “It is something we are hoping for in the future.”
The outlet has also had trouble accessing remote farming communities due to poor road infrastructure. “[Despite these challenges] we remain committed to delivering accurate and timely information to keep our readers abreast of what is happening in the agricultural sector,” said Abba.
Tips for covering agriculture
Do your research
Effective reporting on agriculture requires reporters to gain a solid grasp of the issues and policies related to it, said Mojeed: “Journalists should arm themselves with the required knowledge of the sector as effective reporting would keep people, farmers and even policymakers informed.”
Agriculture reporters should research governmental agriculture policies and related budgets. They can also visit the websites of relevant organizations such as the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the African Development Bank.
Cultivate sources
Agricultural reporters must cultivate sources, especially among farmers, as they understand and experience certain issues firsthand and know how to tackle them.
"You must endeavor to understand the people, places and [agriculture]-related events; that is how you can build the confidence of your sources,” said Mojeed. “Field visits, for instance, help reporters understand the peculiarities of the environment."
Agricultural reporters should also speak with researchers and policymakers to better understand the issues that require coverage, said climate change expert Murtala Abdullahi. “Prioritizing agriculture reporting is important because it is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty and increase prosperity, accounting for 4% of global GDP,” he said.
Learn the relevant language, legislation and organizations
Agriculture, like other sectors, has a specific vocabulary that journalists on the beat should familiarize themselves with.
“To better understand their sources and to report on different topics, it is also important for reporters to know a lot of terminologies that they might not be used to,” said Lekan Otufodunrin, executive director of the Media Career Development Network.
Among the many terms Otufodunrin recommended agricultural reporters become familiar with:
- Agronomy: the science of crop production and managing soil
- Hydroponics: growing plants in fertilized water
- Crop rotation: planting different crops from year to year to keep soil healthy
Reporters must also keep abreast of legislation and policies that concern agriculture, and how they affect farmers, said Otufodunrin. One example is Nigeria’s National Policy for Agriculture.
Keep an eye, too, on how major financial institutions involve themselves in agriculture. For example, the Bank of Agriculture provides agricultural credit facilities to small and large-scale farmers in the country. The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme provides loans to smallholder farmers with the goal of boosting agricultural production, creating jobs, and more.
Photo by Taylor Siebert on Unsplash.
Read more articles by
