Abstract
Feeding the increasing number of people around the world has remained a big challenge. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa spend so much on food imports. This is mainly because of the lack of concerted efforts that are focused on wholesome exploitation of all available resources for crop production. This article presents a review of factors which have limited crop productivity in southeastern Nigeria. The agro-ecology of southeastern Nigeria include the coastal swamps in the south, the rainforest and then the derived savannah in the north. There are also the highlands of the Obudu mountain ranges in the eastern parts. These ecological zones have different climatic and edaphic conditions that are suitable to the growth of a variety of crops. Presently however the main crops in the prevailing cropping systems of this region are yams (Dioscoreae sp), sweet potato, cassava and maize whose yields from farmers fields have continued to fall over the years. Crops like rice (a major staple crop), fruit vegetables, Irish potato and others are either brought in from other ecological zones or imported. To increase food production, one first step is to increase crop yields in farmers fields. The next will be to have more arable land brought under cultivation. These are possible with appropriate land use planning. Other limitations to be overcome include: (i) ageing farmers (average age of farmers is 60 years); (ii) appropriate intercrop combinations; (iii) management of small farm holdings which are less than 500 squared metres; (iv) use of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, etc; (v) lack of access to credits; (vi) unavailability of soil test facilities; (vii) inadequate extension work; (viii) guaranteed market for farmers; and (ix) non-restriction of food imports among others. Increased crop productivity is not only attainable but sustainable if there is a holistic approach that collectively addresses these factors.