The truth remains that governments and investors in sub-Saharan Africa have yet to explore the natural resources and agricultural goldmines within their reach. There is so much consideration given to solid minerals, while a lot of agricultural products are still untapped.
Strawberry is one of the numerous crops whose economic impacts have not been mined, despite its popularity and high value in many parts of the world. It is known for its nutritional value and versatility in various culinary applications.
According to the Indexbox Platform on the Strawberry Market in Africa, in 2021, there was a decline in the strawberry market and an increase in consumption in Africa.
It revealed that Egypt and Morocco are the largest and highest-producing countries in Africa, and they also dominate the export structure.
The report noted that Nigeria is among the countries under review for strawberry imports.
Farmers and agricultural investors need to capitalize on the potential and economic benefits of this crop.
Strawberry Cultivation requires a cool environment and climate conditions.
In Nigeria, Strawberry farming takes place in Jos, Plateau State, because it has much colder weather conditions than other places in the country.
To extract the wealth from this crop, agricultural experts, governments, and researchers need to deploy strategies to grow it in their region.
There is a huge demand in the strawberry value chain because of its nutritional and economic benefits.
Speaking with a Smallholder farmer, Amammod Azzez revealed that farmers can start small-scale and part-time farming operations, saying that the higher value of strawberries creates potential for significant profit from a small planting.
Azeez noted that the management of this crop is intensive, and there is a likelihood of encountering a number of production difficulties and post-harvest losses.
"We plant strawberries as much as we can to control the downtime".
"Most times, we face losses more than we gain because of low cooling transportation services in the Country. We want to produce more to meet the demands, but we need cooling services to transport our produce. As you can see, strawberries are a temperature-sensitive product," he stressed.
An Agricultural expert, Linus Eke, said that strawberries can be planted year-round in other parts of the region in any weather condition. It is just that a lot of African farmers have yet to be exposed to the impact of technology on agricultural production.
We are no longer in the days of holes and knives. Some farmers are not aware that Strawberries can be planted differently year-round. Farmers need to access modern agricultural practices such as irrigation systems, green house farming, and grants to enhance yield and quality of produce.
There is a huge deficit in the supply of strawberries in the Nigerian market, and as such, there is an opportunity for farmers and agricultural investors to capitalize.
Increasing strawberry production in Nigeria requires a combination of agricultural practices, technological advancements, and market strategies.
The professional further listed some ways Nigerians can boost strawberry production:
Selecting Suitable Varieties: Choose strawberry varieties that are well-suited for the Nigerian climate and soil Conditions. Sort for disease-resistant varieties that can thrive in warm temperatures.
Improved Cultivation Techniques: Train farmers in modern cultivation techniques. Including proper planting, irrigation, mulching, and fertilization methods. Implementing best practices can significantly increase yields.
High-Quality Planting Material: Ensure the use of certified and disease-free planting material to improve the chances of a successful harvest.
Irrigation and Water Management: Establish efficient irrigation systems to provide consistent moisture to the plants, especially during dry periods. Drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting can be beneficial.
Soil Management: Conduct soil tests regularly to determine nutrient deficiencies and adjust fertilization accordingly. Proper soil preparation and regular organic matter incorporation can enhance soil fertility.
Crop Protection: Implement integrated pest management strategies to control pests and diseases without excessive reliance on chemicals. This can help maintain healthy plants and reduce environmental impacts.
Greenhouse cultivation: Consider investing in greenhouses to protect strawberry crops from extreme weather conditions and pests. Greenhouses also offer better control over temperature and humidity, extending the growing season.
Crop Rotation and Companion Planting: Avoid planting strawberries in the same location year after year. Rotate crops and use companion planting techniques to promote healthy soil and discourage pests.
Training and Extension Services: Educate farmers through workshops, training sessions, and extension services about the latest farming techniques and technologies related to strawberry production.
Post-Harvest Handling: Properly handle and package strawberries after harvest to reduce spoilage and increase shelf life. This ensures that the produce reaches the market in good condition.
Market Access and Promotion: Develop strong marketing channels to connect farmers with consumers, retailers, and exporters. Promote Strawberries as a healthy and desirable fruit through advertising and social media.
Research and innovation: Invest in research and development related to strawberry cultivation, including new varieties, improved farming techniques, and pest and disease management.
Support from Government and Development Partners: There is a need for African farmers to seek funds in the form of subsidies, grants, and other agricultural policies that facilitate strawberry production and marketing.