YoFiN Sounds Alarm on Hidden Barriers Threatening Young Farmers Ahead of 2026 Rainy Season”

The Young Farmers in Nigeria (YoFiN) has sounded the alarm over non-financial barriers that could limit the productivity and participation of young farmers as the 2026 rainy season approaches. While access to funding and inputs remains critical, YoFiN emphasized that structural and environmental challenges continue to restrict youth engagement in agriculture.

Highlighting climate unpredictability as a major hurdle, the organization noted that irregular rainfall patterns, delayed onsets, and early cessations disrupt traditional planting schedules. Many young farmers lack timely, localized weather information necessary for effective farm planning.

 YoFiN called for enhanced collaboration with agencies like the Nigerian Meteorological Agency to provide simplified, real-time climate advisories tailored for youth. The group also encouraged private agri-tech firms to expand digital tools offering weather intelligence and climate-smart farming solutions.

Limited access to functional agricultural extension services was identified as another key challenge affecting farm productivity. Many young farmers operate without sufficient guidance on modern practices, pest and disease management, and climate adaptation strategies.

 YoFiN urged the government to revitalize extension services through recruitment, training, and deployment of officers, while promoting partnerships with private advisory platforms to ensure broader reach.

Access to land remains a persistent barrier, as many young farmers struggle to secure affordable, reliable farmland due to tenure constraints and increasing competition for land. YoFiN called for deliberate government policies to include youth in land allocation and the creation of structured land leasing frameworks.

 The organization also recommended private sector participation in establishing land banks and supporting cooperative farming models to guarantee farmland access for young farmers.

Poor market access and high post-harvest losses were also highlighted as obstacles that reduce profitability and discourage youth participation.

 Weak rural infrastructure, insufficient storage facilities, and unstable pricing systems expose farmers to significant losses. YoFiN advocated for targeted investments in storage, processing, and rural logistics and encouraged private sector actors to develop reliable offtake arrangements and transparent market systems.

YoFiN concluded that tackling these challenges requires coordinated efforts from both government and private stakeholders. 

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for practical interventions to improve productivity, resilience, and sustainability for young farmers in the 2026 rainy season.