The most consumed food crops in Nigeria
Nigeria has 70.8 million hectares of agricultural land area which produces maize, cassava, guinea corn, yam, beans, millet, and rice being the major crops consumed in Nigeria.
The top five dominantly consumed food crops in Nigeria are:
5. Rice
In 2018, Nigeria’s rice production rose from 3.7 million metric tons in 2017 to 4.0 million metric tons. This grain crop, grain has become increasingly popular in Nigeria due to its versatility. It is a good source of carbohydrates and is a popular main dish in Nigerian households, restaurants, events, and functions.
The staple is eaten in a lot of ways such as boiled rice and tomato stews, Jollof rice, fried rice, coconut rice, tuwo-shinkafa (fufu made from rice), rice pancakes, and mosas.
Despite the increasing price of rice in the Nigerian food market, it is a meal that can be hardly done without in Nigerian homes.
4. Beans
Beans are another popular legume that serves as a good source of protein and fiber. They are popular due to their versatility and affordability. They are often eaten as a side dish with rice or stew, or used to make beans cake (Akara), moi-moi, soups, and stews. However, some persons in Nigeria do not consume the legume due to resultant effects like constipation, bloating, or heartburn.
3. Yam
Yam is a tuber crop that is popularly consumed in Nigeria. It is a good source of carbohydrates and calories and can be prepared in many different ways, such as boiled yam, fried yam, pounded yam, roasted/grilled yam, amala, and yam porridge. It is also eaten with dishes such as beans. Yam plays a central role in traditional celebrations and ceremonies.
2. Maize
Maize is a staple food dominantly consumed in Nigeria. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein and can be used to make a variety of dishes, such as pap, amala, tuwo or fufu, and corn flour for baking. Corn is also a source of popular cereals consumed for breakfast in homes. The corn cob is a common street snack in Nigerian streets that is either boiled or roasted.
1. Cassava
In 2017, Nigeria produced 59 million tons of cassava, making it the world’s largest producer (approximately 20 percent of global production). Cassava is used to make various food products eaten by both rich and poor in Nigeria. For example, garri, fufu (a starchy accompaniment), Abacha, and tapioca. It is adaptable to Nigeria’s diverse climate and is an important source of carbohydrates for Nigeria’s hard-working population. Cassava is culturally significant in Nigeria as it is the source of meals renowned to many ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The dominance of these food crops is attributed to a combination of historical, cultural, environmental, and economic factors of Nigeria.
