As we approach the last quarter of 2024, food security in Nigeria continues to be a major concern, with many families struggling to keep up with rising food prices. Recent data shows that food inflation has gone up by over 25% compared to last year, making it harder for people to afford basic staples. A key reason for this is the increase in fuel prices, which has made it more expensive to transport food from farms to cities, leading to less availability of fresh produce and higher prices.
To tackle this problem, several solutions have been suggested, like improving farming infrastructure, using more sustainable farming practices, and encouraging urban farming. One approach that is gaining popularity, especially in cities like Lagos, is home gardening. With space often limited in urban areas, more people are growing their own vegetables at home to save money, reduce their dependence on markets, and take control of their food supply. In this article, we’ll explore how home gardening can help improve food security in Nigeria, focusing on a success story from Lagos.
Home Gardening
Home gardening in an urban African city like Lagos refers to the practice of growing vegetables, fruits, herbs, or even small plants right at home, using available space such as backyards, front yards, balconies, or even rooftops. Given the limited space in Lagos, home gardening often involves creative approaches like using pots, used car wheels, old containers, or vertical gardening setups to maximize small areas.
It allows families to grow their own fresh produce, reducing the need to rely solely on expensive market supplies. Beyond providing fresh food, home gardening helps people connect with nature, save money, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, all while making the most of the limited urban space available.
Who is Mrs Ronke Odeneye ?
Meet Mrs Ronke Odeneye, a mother of five, grandmother, and a quiet force for sustainability living in bustling Lagos. For over a decade, she’s cultivated a “farm-to-plate” lifestyle, growing her own vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers to sustain her family—especially in these times of soaring food prices. But her story is not just about gardening; it’s a journey of curiosity, resilience, and a passion for preserving the environment.
Mrs. Ronke’s love for the earth didn’t stop when she left her official career. Her experience has made her acutely aware of how everyday practices, like home gardening, can contribute to fighting climate change and nurturing the planet. Her journey began with a simple experiment—planting orange seeds and using banana peels as compost. She discovered how easily nature responds when cared for properly. That moment sparked a passion that has grown into a full-fledged home garden, supplying her family with fresh, organic produce while promoting environmental stewardship.
As food prices soar, home gardening is becoming more than a hobby; it’s a survival tool. In Lagos, where food insecurity is a growing concern, the ability to grow even a small portion of what you eat has significant benefits. In fact, urban farming can play a role in creating a circular economy, reducing food waste, and minimizing carbon footprints. Mrs. Ronke’s garden is an example of how individuals can take climate action at home by embracing eco-friendly practices like composting and soil regeneration. She learned the value of creating her own compost system and preparing the soil using simple household waste, contributing to a more sustainable and closed-loop system.
Circular economy principles encourage us to think beyond consumption and disposal. Instead, we focus on reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling resources. Mrs. Ronke’s garden operates in a way that aligns with these principles—turning organic waste into compost, growing food, and sharing the benefits with others in her community. This kind of localized, small-scale sustainability is exactly what the climate movement needs to thrive.
Her produce doesn’t just feed her household. She grows herbs for cooking and medicinal use, sharing them with friends and even selling them to interested buyers. Her home has become a mini-haven for health and wellness—one where you can feel the difference in the air. As we sat in her garden, the air felt lighter, the scent of herbs and flowers soothing our overexposed-to-pollution Lagos hearts. The quality of life for Mrs. Ronke and her husband is evident in their vibrant health and energy. It’s a testament to how urban gardening can enhance not only our environment but also our well-being.
Mrs. Ronke’s story is more than a tale of curiosity; it’s a blueprint for how urban dwellers can take charge of their food security while contributing to climate resilience. Her journey from curiosity to expertise proves that with the right knowledge, anyone can start small and grow a greener, healthier future.
Conclusion
Mrs. Ronke’s journey shows us that individual actions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in our environment and communities. Through her home garden, she hasn’t just improved her own quality of life but also enhanced the air quality of her neighbourhood, creating a healthier and more sustainable environment. This kind of personal commitment, multiplied by many, can collectively lead to big changes in urban areas like Lagos.
In a country where nearly 19.4 million people are at risk of food insecurity, small-scale urban farming can be part of the solution. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), home gardening is one of the most efficient ways to increase access to fresh, nutritious food while reducing the environmental impact of food production. Home gardens can reduce dependency on commercial food systems, promote food sovereignty, and enhance community resilience.
Mrs. Ronke didn’t become an expert overnight—her success came from persistence, learning, and intention. And that’s the key message: anyone can contribute to the environment, no matter their starting point. Whether it’s reducing food waste, starting a compost bin, or planting a few herbs, every action counts. The most important thing is to start, stay committed, and continuously improve. Your small steps can lead to big changes not just for you but for your community and the planet.
So, let Mrs. Ronke’s story inspire you to take action. Whether you live in a city or a rural area, there’s something you can do to fight climate change, support food security, and build a greener future. Now is the time to plant the seeds—literally and figuratively—for a more sustainable tomorrow.
Video
Home Gardening for Food Security in Nigeria | Inspiring Documentary with Mrs. Belinda Aderonke