More than 70% of Nigerian households were involved in agricultural activities in 2022, according to a survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The "National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) Report 2022," released on Monday, indicates that approximately 40.2 million households in Nigeria engage in various agricultural practices.

The report underscores agriculture's vital role across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. It highlights that the NASC is designed to be conducted every five to ten years, adhering to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) standards. However, the last census was conducted in 1993/1994.

Key Findings:

- Kano State leads with about 2.4 million agricultural households, followed by Kaduna State with 2 million.

- Bayelsa State recorded the least with 0.34 million agricultural households.

- About 26.7% of agricultural households have 5-6 members, while 14% have 1-2 members.

- 91% of agricultural households cultivate crops, with 35% practicing only crop cultivation and 48% raising livestock.

- Lagos State had the lowest percentage of crop cultivation at 48%, while Ebonyi State had the highest at 99.5%.

- Jigawa State reported the highest percentage of livestock production at 84.2%, followed by Bauchi State at 79.7%.

- Benue State had the highest percentage of poultry farming at 65.2%, closely followed by Ebonyi State at 63.3%.

Demographics and Crop Cultivation:

- 16% of agricultural households are headed by females, with higher percentages in states like Anambra and Enugu.

- The majority of household heads (28%) are aged 35-44 years, with only 2.8% aged 15-24 years.

- Maize, guinea corn, and rice are the primary cereals cultivated by 80%, 40%, and 37% of crop-producing households, respectively.

- Cassava, yam, and cocoyam are the main root/tuber crops, cultivated by 53%, 40%, and 24% of households, respectively.

- Beans/cowpeas are the most cultivated leguminous crops at 46%.

- Okro is the most popular vegetable crop, cultivated by 41% of households.

- Groundnuts are widely cultivated, especially in Benue State, where 81% of households reported growing them.

Methodology:

The NBS conducted the NASC survey using Digitised Enumeration Area (EA) maps across all 36 states and the FCT. Of the 774 LGAs in Nigeria, 767 were fully covered, three were partially covered, and four were not covered due to insecurity.

Nigeria’s Statistician-General, Adeyemi Adeniran, highlighted that the report covers various aspects of agricultural households, including crop production, livestock management, and fisheries activities. The census, he noted, establishes a framework for monitoring and evaluating progress towards key agricultural indicators.