Circular Economy Adoption in Agriculture: Potential for Sustainable Food Production in Nigeria

Nigeria’s vast fertile land and significant agricultural productivity underscore its potential to become a global agricultural powerhouse. With 70.8 million hectares of agricultural land and major crops like cassava, maize, and yam contributing substantially to the economy, Nigeria reached a remarkable milestone as the world’s largest cassava producer in 2017. However, these achievements are increasingly threatened by challenges such as inefficient resource utilization, climate change, land degradation, and low technological adoption, emphasizing the urgent need for a transformative shift in agricultural practices. This paper explores the potential of circular agriculture as a sustainable approach to food production in Nigeria. Using a comprehensive literature review methodology, the paper analyzes circular agricultural practices and evaluates its applicability to Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. It further highlights existing challenges, assesses the principles, frameworks, and practices of circular agriculture by examining relevant global case studies of successful implementations. Findings from this study suggest that adopting circular agricultural practices can mitigate inefficiencies, enhance resource management, and promote sustainable food production. Additionally, the paper identifies critical gaps in research and policy support and proposes actionable steps, including the development of national frameworks, technological integration, and educational programs to drive the transition toward circular agriculture. Ultimately, this study concludes that the adoption of circular agriculture is essential for ensuring long-term food security, addressing environmental challenges, and supporting sustainable development within the context of Nigeria’s growing population.