Exiled white Zimbabwean farmers have started farming in Nigeria's western state of Kwara, after they were forced to give up their farms in the wake of controversial land reforms. The invitation came from Kwara's state governor, Bukola Saraki, whose goal is to use the farmers to kick-start Nigeria's neglected agricultural sector.
Hundreds of white Zimbabwean farmers have fled to southern African countries, such as Mozambique and Zambia, since President Robert Mugabe began redistributing white-owned farms to landless black people in 2000. Nigeria is trying to capitalise on their experience and offer incentives in order to encourage large scale commercial farming.
The country, although populous and rich in fertile land, imports large quantities of food. Bringing in skilled Zimbabwean farmers should revitalise the country’s ailing agricultural sector, neglected by successive governments during the country's oil boom.
Sceptics believe the scheme is doomed as Nigeria has a long record of misrule and corruption. However, investors say that the country has the potential for commercial agriculture despite the poor infrastructure and red tape.
Other African countries, including Ghana, Tanzania and Malawi, are also reported to be approaching the 4,000 displaced farmers.
