Farming in Nigeria: What You Can Plant in Your Backyard by Region

Farming is not just a way of life in Nigeria, it’s part of our heritage. Across the country, from the bustling cities to quiet rural towns, the land plays a vital role in how families survive, eat, and earn a living. As the rainy season begins from April through October fields, compounds, and even small backyard spaces come alive with green growth and fresh hope.

Each region of Nigeria North, South, East, and West has its own unique crops that thrive in its climate and soil. And while large farms still feed millions, small-scale farming is just as powerful. Whether it’s a corner of your yard or a few sacks on your balcony, growing your own food can help you cut costs, eat healthier, and even support your family’s income.

In this article, we’ll explore what different regions in Nigeria are planting this season and how you too can start a backyard or compound garden, no matter where you live.

Northern Nigeria – Grains, Beans, and Vegetables

The North is known for large farms and dry land. But during the rainy season, the soil becomes ready for planting. Farmers in states like Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Bauchi grow:

• Millet and Sorghum: These are strong grains that grow well in dry places.

• Maize (corn): A common food crop grown during the rainy months.
• Beans (cowpeas): A major source of protein and easy to grow.
• Groundnuts (peanuts): Used to make oil and eaten in many homes.
• Tomatoes and onions: Grown early in the season and sold in large markets.
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Many farmers here also use rivers (Irrigation system) for dry season farming after the rains stop.

Eastern Nigeria – Yams, Cassava, Vegetables, and Palm Oil

The East has fertile soil, lots of rain, and thick green forests. Most families do subsistence farming, which means growing food mainly for home use.

Crops planted during the rainy season include:

• Yams: A very important food in the East, planted in March and harvested in July or August.
• Cassava: Used to make garri, fufu, and flour.
• Maize (corn): Often planted along with yams or cassava.
• Vegetables: Like ugu (pumpkin leaf), bitterleaf, okra, and scent leaf (nchuanwu).
• Palm Trees: The East is also a big palm oil-producing region. Many families own palm trees and produce red oil during the season. This is an important source of food and income in states like Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu.
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• Rice: Particularly in Ebonyi State, which is known as the “rice bowl” of the East.

The Igbo celebrate New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) as a way of thanking the gods for a successful planting season and harvest.

Western Nigeria – Cassava, Cocoa, and Local Vegetables

The West has a balance of city and village life. Farming is done both on farms and in small backyard plots.

Crops planted during the rainy season include:

Cassava and Maize: Very common and used to prepare many local dishes.

• Vegetables: Like ewedu, amaranth (tete), and peppers are grown in gardens and markets.
• Cocoa: Grown in Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti; it’s an important export crop.
• Oil Palm: Like in the East, oil palm is grown and harvested for red oil.

People living in towns and cities like Lagos and Ibadan are also starting to grow vegetables in bags, buckets, and pots at home. Urban farming is becoming popular!

Southern Nigeria – Plantains, Water Yam, and Fish Farming

The South South region gets a lot of rainfall and has rivers and creeks. It’s perfect for farming and fishing.

Crops grown include:

• Plantains and Bananas: Found in almost every compound.
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• Cocoyam and Water Yam: Easy to grow and used in many local soups.
• Palm Oil: A major product here too. Many people have palm trees and process oil in their communities.
• Vegetables: Like waterleaf, pumpkin leaf (ugu), and pepper.
• Fish Farming: Many homes have small fish ponds where they raise catfish to eat or sell.
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People in this region often mix farming with fishing to earn a living.

Why You Should Start a Backyard Garden

You don’t need a large farm to start planting. Even a small space can grow vegetables, herbs, or fruits. You can use buckets, sacks, or old tires if you don’t have land.

Benefits of Backyard Farming:

1. Saves Money: You spend less buying food from the market.
2. Healthy Eating: Fresh vegetables from your garden are better for your body.
3. Extra Income: You can sell the extra produce to neighbors or in small markets.
4. Food Security: Your family always has something to eat, even during hard times.
5. Teaches Children: Farming helps children learn responsibility and appreciate food.

Backyard farming is good for everyone—whether you live in a village or in the city.

Support from Government and NGOs

Many government programs and organizations now support small farmers. Some give free seedlings, fertilizers, or training on how to plant better. Programs like:

• FADAMA
• N-Power Agro
• Anchor Borrowers Program

These are helping more people start farming in Nigeria.

Farming is the Future

Farming is not just for big landowners. Every family can grow something, even if it’s just a few vegetables in front of the house. Nigeria is blessed with good soil and a long rainy season. Let’s use it well.

From yams in the East to cocoa in the West, millet in the North to plantains in the South, farming connects us all. Start small. Plant today. Reap tomorrow.