Exploring Africa’s Tomato Paradox: Balancing Abundance and Shortages

To celebrate World Food Day 2025, Future Africa highlights insights from Dr. Ololade Latifat Abdulrahman, a Research Fellow in the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF). In her thought-provoking piece, “The Tomato Paradox,” Dr. Abdulrahman delves into one of Nigeria’s most notable agricultural contradictions: despite producing 1.8 million metric tons of tomatoes annually, the country imports over 1.3 million tons of tomato paste. Alarmingly, almost 40% of the tomatoes harvested locally fail to reach the market.

This paradox stems not from low productivity but from frail value chains and inadequate infrastructure. Farmers encounter significant hurdles, including limited access to cold storage, processing facilities, and reliable rural transportation and irrigation systems. Consequently, the result is dual-faceted: economic loss and food insecurity, where a surplus of produce does not benefit consumers.

Dr. Abdulrahman emphasizes that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive transformation of the agrifood system. Suggested actions include investing in climate-resilient seeds, enhancing irrigation access, improving post-harvest logistics, and creating processing hubs near production sites. Furthermore, she advocates for enhanced cooperation among researchers, policymakers, and the private sector to ensure that innovations empower smallholder farmers and bolster rural economies.

Her powerful message for World Food Day resonates: “Every wasted tomato is a lost opportunity to nourish a family.” To foster better food systems where abundance meets accessibility remains essential for advancing food security and prosperous futures across Africa.

What steps do you think are necessary to improve agricultural practices and reduce waste in regions like Nigeria?