Agritourism in Nigeria: Farm Stays and SME Growth (2025)

790

Agritourism in Nigeria is on the rise. In 2023, Nigeria welcomed 1.2 million international visitors and recorded 3 million domestic trips, a 20% jump from the year before.

City people are leaving the noise to spend weekends on farms. Families want fresh food, green spaces, and a taste of rural life. Farmers are opening their doors not just to sell crops, but to host visitors. 

This mix of tourism and farming is shaping new jobs and boosting small businesses. It is a fresh way to grow the economy and reconnect people with the land.

 

Current Situation of Agritourism in Nigeria

Agritourism in Nigeria is still young, but the interest is growing fast. A 2024 survey by the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality found that 68% of city residents aged 28 to 45 would rather visit a place with natural outdoor experiences than choose city luxury.

The same survey showed that 53% of them had never visited a farm. Yet many said they would love to try if the stay promised comfort, relaxation, and fun.

At the same time, farmers are reimagining their land. Places like Elysian Farm in Ibadan and Xtralarge Farms in Ogun now include tours, food tastings, and classes. 

Even small farm units near Lagos and Abuja are showing up on booking sites for short stays. Theories say that families, urban youth, and even international travellers are looking for authentic, earthy experiences over city life. 

The idea of escaping to a farm for a weekend is catching on, but there are still more ideas than actual places available. That gap makes the field wide open for growth.

 

Types of Agritourism in Nigeria

Agritourism in Nigeria comes in many forms. The most common is farm stays. Guests spend the night on a farm, enjoy fresh meals, and wake up to green fields.

There are also farm tours, where visitors walk the land, feed animals, or watch how crops are grown. Some farms add food trails, giving guests the chance to taste honey, palm wine, or roasted yams straight from the source.

Festivals and farm fairs are another part of agritourism. They bring people together for music, food, and cultural shows, all set in rural spaces.

Finally, there are training and workshops. Here, visitors learn simple skills like planting vegetables, making cheese, or even processing cassava into garri.

Each type offers a new way to enjoy farming while supporting local businesses. Together, they make agritourism in Nigeria both fun and rewarding.

 

SME Development Stories of Farm Stays in Nigeria

Agritourism in Nigeria is creating opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. Real farms are now opening their gates to visitors. A few stand out as early leaders.

• Almat Farms in Abuja is one example, where visitors pay entrance fees for activities such as horse riding, quad biking, and guided tours.
  
  The farm also offers short-stay lodging, with a “Standard Hut” priced at ₦72,004 per night, complete with modern amenities.
• Xtralarge Farms & Resorts in Ogun State is another case, combining farming with hospitality. It has a resort that employs staff, proven by its job listing for a “Front Desk Officer (Resort)”.
  
  The farm also gained national attention when it hosted the World Agritourism Festival 2025, attracting both government officials and international visitors.

• The G.A.S. Farm House in Ikiṣẹ, Ogun, adds a creative twist. It sits on 22 hectares and merges regenerative farming with an art and cultural residency.
  
  The farm employs 11 staff and hosts visiting creatives from different countries.
• Elysian Farm & Resort in Ibadan shows another angle. Launched in April 2025, it blends agro-realty with leisure, with plans for eco-cottages, villas, and lifestyle facilities. Its five-year target is to become a major tourist escape by 2030.

Taken together, these examples show how agritourism in Nigeria is boosting SMEs in different ways. 

These include paid farm activities, short stays, festival hosting, cultural residencies, and large-scale resort projects. 

Each one is proving that farms can grow into sustainable tourism businesses while creating jobs and new income streams.

READ MORE

• Conservation in Nigeria: Protecting Nature, & a Greener Future
• Eco Travel in Nigeria: 8 Smart Tips for Sustainable Trips [2025 Guide]
• Green Stay Options in Nigeria: Eco-Lodges vs Guesthouses (2025 Guide)

 

Policy Support and Gaps

The Nigerian government has started to see agritourism as a tool for growth. In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) met in Abuja to discuss how agritourism and rural tourism could boost the economy and create jobs. 

At the event, officials highlighted that farms can become centres of both food production and leisure, but they also admitted that the sector needs more substantial support to thrive.

A draft of the National Tourism Policy (2024 update) also lists agritourism as one of the focus areas for developing rural destinations and encouraging private investment. 

The policy encourages farmers and tourism entrepreneurs to partner in creating experiences that link food, culture, and the environment.

However, the gaps remain clear. 

• Roads leading to rural farms are often in poor condition, which makes travel difficult.
• Basic infrastructure like water, electricity, and internet access is still unreliable in many farming areas.
• Marketing is another challenge. Nigeria does not yet have a strong national platform to promote farm stays and agritourism packages, unlike countries like Italy and South Africa.
• There is also a lack of reliable data. Many farms are offering stays and activities, but there is no central database to track the number of farms, the number of visitors they receive, or the income they generate. 

Without such data, it is harder for investors and policymakers to measure the real impact of agritourism in Nigeria.

In short, while the government is making policy moves and showing support, the gaps in infrastructure, promotion, and data remain significant hurdles. For agritourism in Nigeria to reach its full potential, these issues need urgent attention.

 

Impact of Agritourism in Nigeria

Agritourism is more than just a leisure activity. It is shaping rural economies, creating jobs, and boosting cultural pride. Although agritourism is still new in Nigeria, its effects can already be seen in various ways:

• Income Generation for Farmers: According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), rural tourism, including farm-based visits, directly increases farmer income and supports nearby small businesses like vendors and craft makers.
• Job Creation in Rural Areas: Farm stays employ guides, cooks, cleaners, and drivers, offering young people alternatives to migrating to big cities.
• Economic Potential: A PwC report shows that tourism could contribute over 10% of Nigeria’s GDP by 2030, with agritourism playing a role in that growth.
• Social and Cultural Value: Agritourism builds pride in farming traditions, promotes cultural exchange, and raises awareness about sustainable food practices.

 

Future Outlook for Agritourism in Nigeria

Agritourism in Nigeria is still young, but the signs show clear growth ahead. As more urban families look for nature-friendly holidays, demand for farm stays will rise. 

Agritourism has the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s tourism industry with the proper government regulations and private investment.

Experts predict that by 2030, rural tourism, including agritourism, could attract millions of domestic travellers each year. This will boost farm incomes and help reduce unemployment in rural areas. 

Digital marketing, better infrastructure, and sustainable farming methods will play a big role in shaping this future.

The outlook is positive. If supported with the right policies and partnerships, agritourism in Nigeria could become both a cultural pride and an economic driver for the country.

Agritourism in Nigeria creates new jobs, supports small businesses, and gives travellers fresh holiday options. 

With more policy support and investment, it can grow into one of the strongest parts of the tourism sector.  

 

Showcase Nigeria Through Your Lens – Join Our Open Call for Creators

Are you a photographer, videographer, or content creator passionate about capturing Nigeria’s beauty, from fashion runways and cultural festivals to tourist landmarks and local events? Our Open Call for Content Creators in Nigeria is your opportunity to get featured, collaborate, and bring authentic Nigerian stories to life. Whether you’re into travel, lifestyle, or visual storytelling, we want to see Nigeria through your eyes.

 Explore more stories on tourism in Nigeria – from cultural gems to hidden travel destinations.

 

FAQs

1. What Is Agritourism In Nigeria?

It is tourism that takes place on farms. Visitors enjoy farm stays, food experiences, and rural activities.

2. Why Is Agritourism Important In Nigeria?

 It creates jobs, supports small businesses, and helps farmers earn more income.

3. Who Visits Agritourism Farms in Nigeria?

The majority of visitors to agritourism farms in Nigeria are urban families, young professionals, and tourists seeking a comfortable, natural experience.

4. What Challenges Does Agritourism Face in Nigeria?

Poor roads, limited awareness, and a lack of strong policy support are significant issues.