Farmers across Lagos State are counting heavy losses after prolonged flooding submerged farmlands, destroyed crops and disrupted planting activities, raising concerns over reduced harvests, declining incomes and possible food supply shortages.
Large expanses of vegetable, maize and cassava farms in Ikorodu, Ojo, Imota and Epe have remained underwater following days of persistent rainfall, leaving many farmers uncertain about the outcome of the current farming season.
In separate interviews, affected farmers described the flooding as a major setback that has wiped out investments, delayed cultivation and increased financial pressure on farming households.
A vegetable farmer in Ikorodu, Akin Ojo, said weeks of labour and investment were lost after floodwaters engulfed his farm.
“I planted vegetables expecting a good harvest, but after the heavy rainfall, most of the crops were submerged. I have lost a large part of my investment,” he said.
Ojo noted that the destruction has made it difficult to recover production costs or raise funds for another planting cycle.
Another farmer, Bose Adewale, described flooding as a recurring challenge that continues to threaten the survival of smallholder farmers, adding that the rising cost of seeds, fertiliser and labour has further worsened the situation.
“We borrow money to farm with the hope of making profits after harvest. When floods destroy our farms, repaying those loans becomes a serious challenge,” she said.
The former Chairman of the Imota Farm Settlers Cooperative Society, Babatunde Shadeko, said many farmers have suspended planting because waterlogged soils remain unsuitable for cultivation.
“At the moment, no farmer can plant anything because the soil is still compressed after the flooding and is not suitable for cultivation. Any farmer hoping to make a profit will have to wait until conditions improve. Vegetable farmers are the only ones that can still farm during this period,” he said.
A maize farmer in Ikorodu, Sola Adebayo, also said extensive flooding has forced many producers to halt farming activities.
“We have no option but to wait for the rains to reduce. Planting now will only lead to more losses because the soil is still too wet,” he said.
Similarly, a cassava farmer in Epe, Funke Oladipo, said the persistent flooding has disrupted farming schedules and discouraged many farmers from investing further during the rainy season.
“If this situation continues, many of us may not harvest enough this season. That will affect our income and eventually food supply in the markets,” she said.
Farmers warned that continued flooding could reduce food production and contribute to higher food prices if urgent measures are not taken.
Stakeholders, meanwhile, called on governments and relevant agencies to strengthen flood-control infrastructure, expand access to agricultural insurance, improve affordable financing and promote climate-smart farming practices to protect farmers’ livelihoods and boost food production.
