In the heart of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, a passionate agricultural entrepreneur is sounding the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening food security crisis. Mr. Amos Kester-Ebiwe, CEO of Kesteramos Consultancy Services Ltd. and Managing Director of Kesteramos Farms Enterprises, speaks to Fresh Facts Magazine about the devastating impact of inflation and the rising dollar on agriculture—particularly livestock production.
“It’s a great problem,” Mr. Kester Amos begins, referring to the current inflationary wave sweeping through Nigeria’s economy. “Agricultural produce, especially livestock production, has been hit hard due to the skyrocketing cost of animal feed.”
For Mr. Kester Amos, whose farms focus primarily on livestock, the cost of feed has tripled in recent months. This has made it increasingly difficult for farmers to sustain their businesses.
“You cannot rear animals without feed,” he explains. “Raising livestock has become a burden. That’s why we are appealing to the government to step in—to help make feed more readily available and affordable.”
As a consultant in animal production, he also emphasizes the role experts can play in solving this crisis—if given the right support.
“Those of us with technical knowledge on how to rear animals and formulate feed need support to expand our practices and help mitigate this challenge.”
But the implications of this crisis extend beyond farm gates. The rising cost of agricultural inputs, combined with ongoing insecurity and theft from farms, is compounding Nigeria’s food security problem.
“It’s not just about inflation. Farmers are facing insecurity on multiple fronts. After planting crops needed for livestock feed, we now face the threat of vandalism and theft at harvest time,” Mr. Kester Amos laments. “People go to farms and harvest what they didn’t plant. It’s frustrating.”
This systemic breakdown, he says, has ripple effects across society—including a rise in crime due to economic hardship and food scarcity.
When asked what steps the government should take, Mr. Kester Amos emphasizes a bottom-up approach to food production.
“The bulk of the food Nigerians consume is not produced by commercial farmers. It’s the small-scale farmers that feed this country.”
He urges the government to support these smallholders by providing them with quality seedlings, accessible resources, and tools to thrive—even on a subsistence level.
“Many Nigerians want to go into commercial agriculture, but they lack the resources. That’s why we need to embrace subsistence farming. Let’s look within—cultivate what we can in our backyards and gardens.”
At Kesteramos Farms, smart agriculture is already being practiced. From growing yams and tomatoes in bags to cultivating peppers in garden beds, Mr. Kester Amos and his team demonstrate how small-scale, home-based farming can help reduce dependency on the volatile market.
“If this was a virtual interview,” he says with a smile, “we would have shown you around our smart garden—how we grow our own food with limited space.”
In closing, Mr. Kester Amos offers a clear message to both government and citizens:
“We must look into the plight of our farmers. Support small-scale agriculture. Promote smart farming methods. Only then can we secure the future of food in Nigeria.”
With the kind of idea and knowledge in you,if government look into your ideas believe me your quote and contributions in farming will support Nigeria with 20 percent food groth
Well done and more effort to your knowledge..