Redefining Nigeria's Tourism Landscape

Xtralarge Farms & Resorts has called for a stronger integration of agriculture and tourism as a new pathway to economic growth, job creation, and rural development in Nigeria through agritourism. The founder of Xtralarge Farms & Resorts, Dr. Moji Davids, made the call while speaking at the AeroWest Tourism Conference in Lagos, where she challenged tourism operators, farmers, investors, and government to rethink the conventional approach to tourism development.

Davids argued that Nigeria’s tourism potential should not be viewed only through the lens of airports, hotels, beaches, museums, and shopping malls. She contended that farms could also serve as destinations for recreation, education, wellness, investment, and cultural experiences. This shift in perspective aims to create a new economic ecosystem capable of benefiting farmers, hospitality businesses, transport operators, and rural communities.

When we hear the word tourism, what comes to mind? Airports. Hotels. Beaches. Museums. Shopping malls. But who thinks tourism—and thinks of a farm? That is the powerful possibility agritourism has brought to light, and it is the vision Xtralarge Farms & Resorts has continued to pioneer.

— Dr. Moji Davids, Founder, Xtralarge Farms & Resorts

The Concept and Value of Agritourism

According to Davids, agritourism transforms farms from places solely focused on agricultural production into destinations where visitors can experience nature and food production. The model provides families with opportunities to harvest fresh vegetables, pick fruits, fish, ride horses, and enjoy farm-to-table meals. This approach allows visitors to reconnect with nature while gaining a deeper understanding of rural life.

Davids also highlighted the educational value of agritourism, particularly for children. She noted that visits to farms could help the younger generation understand where food comes from and appreciate the labor, knowledge, and patience involved in agricultural production. She envisioned a future where tourists travel into rural communities not merely to observe, but to learn, relax, and invest.

Imagine children discovering that milk does not originate from a supermarket shelf—and that food is the product of land, labour, knowledge and patience.

— Dr. Moji Davids, Founder, Xtralarge Farms & Resorts

Economic Diversification and Rural Prosperity

The Xtralarge Farms boss explained that the agritourism model is particularly relevant to Nigeria and Africa, given the continent’s natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and large youthful population. Bringing these assets together through agritourism could open up opportunities for economic diversification while creating new markets for agricultural producers.

It creates markets for farmers. It generates jobs for young people and women. It supports hospitality and transportation. It strengthens local food systems. It promotes healthier living. And it brings investment and development into communities that conventional tourism often overlooks.

— Dr. Moji Davids, Founder, Xtralarge Farms & Resorts

Davids concluded by urging stakeholders to look beyond subsistence agriculture and traditional hotel-based tourism. She emphasized that Nigeria’s tourism narrative should include its plantations, villages, and indigenous agricultural traditions. By turning farms into destinations, she believes the country can generate new experiences that rejuvenate visitors and empower local humanity.