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 * Wednesday, November 13, 2024


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 * The urgent need for climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria


THE URGENT NEED FOR CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu

November 13, 2024

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As someone deeply involved in climate change mitigation, particularly in
reducing emissions from the energy sector, I have seen firsthand how
environmental change impacts every aspect of our lives. In Nigeria, the effects
of climate change are not just statistics or predictions for the future. They
are a present-day reality affecting farmers, food production and rural
communities. Beyond my expertise in managing carbon dioxide and methane
emissions, I am learning how climate challenges impact agriculture. And while
agriculture may not be my primary focus, it is impossible to ignore the sweeping
effects of climate change on this vital sector.

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Nigeria’s climate patterns have shifted noticeably over the past few decades.
Where farmers once had predictable seasons to guide planting and harvesting,
erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and even unexpected flooding have now
become regular threats. These drastic changes in weather patterns severely
impact agricultural productivity, reducing crop yields and threatening food
security for millions. Our nation’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture makes us
particularly vulnerable to these changes. When the rains do not come, or they
arrive too late or in excess, farmers face devastating losses. In regions like
the North, droughts leave fields parched, leading to reduced harvests and
damaged livelihoods. In contrast, other regions suffer from flash floods that
destroy crops and displace communities, adding further strain to our limited
resources. These shifts do not just affect farmers. They impact the entire food
supply chain, leading to food shortages, rising prices and increased poverty,
especially in rural areas.



With a growing population expected to reach 400 million by 2050, Nigeria’s food
demand will only increase. And if climate change continues to disrupt
agricultural productivity, we risk a future where food is scarce and
inaccessible for many Nigerians. This could lead to heightened hunger,
malnutrition and social instability in rural communities, which rely heavily on
agriculture not only as a source of food but also as a means of income. Beyond
that, Nigeria’s rural population, which makes up a significant portion of the
country’s workforce, is particularly vulnerable to these climate impacts. When
farmers lose their crops, they lose their primary source of income, which leads
to cycles of poverty that are difficult to break. The loss of livelihoods in
rural areas can drive migration to urban centers, increasing the strain on
cities and contributing to urban poverty and unemployment.

To combat these challenges, it is important to embrace climate-smart agriculture
(CSA). CSA is a set of practices that aims to increase productivity, enhance
resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, all of which are critical in
the fight against climate change. These practices include adopting improved crop
varieties that are drought-resistant or flood-tolerant, employing water
conservation techniques and promoting agroforestry, which integrates trees into
agricultural land to provide shade, reduce soil erosion and improve soil
fertility. Climate-smart agriculture also involves better planning and resource
management. With access to weather forecasts and climate data, farmers can make
more informed decisions about when to plant and harvest. CSA also encourages
crop rotation, reduced tillage and sustainable pest management, all of which
help improve soil health and increase resilience to climate shocks. But adopting
these practices is not straightforward. Many Nigerian farmers lack access to the
information, tools and financial resources needed to implement CSA techniques.
The government, private sector and non-governmental organizations must work
together to support farmers, especially those in vulnerable regions, with
education, resources and infrastructure.



Government intervention is important if we want climate-smart agriculture to
thrive. One approach is to provide subsidies for drought-resistant seeds,
irrigation systems and other essential tools. Agricultural extension programs
should also be expanded to educate farmers on climate resilience practices and
CSA techniques. Our government can also play a role in improving access to
climate information services. With more accurate data on expected rainfall and
temperature changes, farmers can adapt their strategies to changing conditions.
Some African countries have already started implementing mobile-based weather
alerts for farmers, a system that Nigeria could replicate. Furthermore,
expanding rural infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities and markets,
would allow farmers to transport and sell their produce more effectively,
helping to stabilize incomes even when harvests are low.



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Addressing climate change impacts on agriculture also requires international
cooperation. Nigeria can benefit from global partnerships focused on climate
adaptation in the agricultural sector. Funding from international organizations
could provide vital resources for research, training and infrastructure projects
that directly support climate-smart agriculture. Private investors and climate
funds must recognize the potential in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and invest
in initiatives that build resilience. Through collaboration, we can access the
financial and technical support needed to create long-term solutions for our
farmers and communities.



In my work within the energy sector, I have seen the power of collective action
in driving change. To mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture, we
need a similar spirit of cooperation and commitment across sectors. It is not
enough to merely acknowledge these challenges. We must actively support the
farmers who are on the frontlines of climate change impacts. This support
involves training, infrastructure, financial access and a clear policy direction
toward climate-smart agriculture. While implementing these changes will take
time and resources, the benefits to food security, economic stability and social
cohesion will be well worth the investment. We must act now, not only for the
prosperity of today’s farmers but also for the generations to come. By embracing
climate-smart agriculture and supporting our rural communities, Nigeria can
strengthen its resilience to climate change and ensure a stable, food-secure
future for all. The path forward will not be easy, but it is achievable. Let us
act decisively, draw from our experiences, and provide Nigerian farmers with the
tools they need to adapt and thrive in a changing climate.

 

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu (mohd.aminu@gmail.com) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.


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