Chibueze Uche Anukanti, a seasoned realtor with PWAN, recently shared a crucial lesson with Nigerians about land ownership and the underappreciated value of subsistence farming. With his wealth of experience in real estate, Anukanti highlighted an often overlooked opportunity for landowners who lack the immediate funds to build: farming. Specifically, small-scale farming, which not only provides sustenance but also offers a practical means of utilizing idle land.

In a candid post on his page, Chibueze posed a provocative question: “Why die in hunger when you have a plot of land somewhere?” His simple, step-by-step guide to farming a single plot of land—planting corn, yams, plantains, and cassava—struck a chord. He emphasized that a single plot of cassava, when combined with other foodstuffs, can feed a family of four for three months. Scale that up to an acre, and you’re looking at year-long food security for the same family.

The core of Chibueze’s message was more than just about farming; it was a call to action. Why, he asked, are people leaving their land unused for years when it could provide them with sustenance? Why do people invest in property they neither build on nor farm? These are valid questions, especially in a country where food insecurity remains a pressing issue.

Beyond crops, Chibueze shared a personal anecdote about his younger brother converting their family land into a poultry farm. That land, once a source of vegetables and crops, is now yielding chickens, further showcasing the flexibility of land usage in rural areas. Whether it’s growing food or raising livestock, the land is a valuable asset that can provide both sustenance and income.

In a world where food prices continue to rise and economic hardship affects many, Chibueze’s message is clear: If you own land, put it to use. Subsistence farming isn’t just about food security; it’s a way to assert your ownership, contribute to your family’s well-being, and perhaps most importantly, build resilience in challenging times.

So, why let your land lie fallow when it could be feeding you and your family? The time to plant is now. As Chibueze aptly put it, “When we say plant, please plant! May you succeed… Iseeeeeee.”

Anthony Emeka Nwosu