ABOYEJI, Oyeniyi Solomon2026-03-272026-03-272025The 8th International Conference 2024, U6+ Consortiu of Africa Universities, Conference Proceedings from 10-12 September, 2024, Pp. 46-62.978-0-7961-7968-5(e-book)https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/17125This study examines the historical dynamics of agricultural sustainability and food security in Yorubaland, Nigeria, revealing that the shift from agriculture to oil in the 1970s led to decline in the agricultural sector. The paper highlights the post-colonial administration's failure to reform colonial-era agricultural policies, leading to food insecurity and stagnation. It concludes that a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to revitalize agriculture, involving policy reforms, investment, and education.The truism ‘food for the stomach’ and the ancient proverb ‘health is wealth’ have become increasingly poignant in Nigeria, where the quest for food security and wellness is beset by formidable obstacles. This study explores the historical dynamics of agricultural sustainability and food security in Yorubaland, Nigeria. Findings reveal that historically, agriculture was the backbone of Nigeria's economy, generating over 70% of its income in the pre-colonial era. However, by the early 1970s, the oil boom had begun to replace agriculture as the mainstay of the economy (as oil exports by 1971 accounted for 74.4% of total exports, valued at approximately $1,239.9 while agriculture contributed only 22% to the economy. The oil boom's success came at the expense of agriculture and rural economies, but proved short-lived. This paper emphasizes that the post-colonial administration in Nigeria failed to reform agricultural policies inherited from the colonial era, which prioritized the export of cash crops. Consequently, the agricultural sector experienced significant decline within the first decade of independence, exacerbated by the Nigerian civil war (1967-1970) and inconsistent policies. Despite numerous attempts to revitalize the sector, Nigerian agriculture remains in a state of decline, characterized by food insecurity and stagnation. The study concludes that agricultural sustainability in Yorubaland and Nigeria at large, demands a collective effort, transcending educational and occupational boundaries. A multi-stakeholder approach, involving government, private sector, civil society, and farmers, is crucial; with key strategies that must include: reforming agricultural policies, investing in agriculture, and promoting education and awareness. This study adopts a historical and analytical approach with a combination of primary and secondary sources of data collection.enHistorical perspectivesAgricultural sustainabilityFood securityYorubalandNigeria.Article