By Titilayo Obileye
Nigeria, a country blessed with a diverse and fertile landscape, is facing an increasingly daunting challenge – the impacts of climate change on its agricultural sector and food security. As the continent’s most populous nation, the repercussions of these environmental shifts are felt acutely by its people, threatening the foundations of their livelihoods and sustenance.
One of Nigeria’s primary manifestations of climate change is the alarming rise in temperatures. According to scientific data, the country has experienced an average temperature increase of 1.3°C over the past century, with projections indicating a further rise of up to 3.2°C by 2065. This warming trend has had a profound effect on the agricultural landscape.
Alongside the temperature increase, Nigeria has also grappled with erratic rainfall patterns, marked by prolonged droughts and intense, unpredictable downpours. These fluctuations have disrupted the delicate balance on which Nigeria’s farmers have relied for generations, leading to reduced crop yields, livestock losses, and spreading pests and diseases.
The impacts of climate change have taken a significant toll on Nigeria’s agricultural productivity. Staple crops like maize, sorghum, and millet have experienced declining yields due to the changing climatic conditions, forcing farmers to adapt their planting schedules and cultivate more resilient varieties.
Furthermore, the incidence of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, has intensified, often devastating entire farmlands and livestock herds. These calamities not only jeopardize food production but also disrupt the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, who rely on agriculture as their primary source of income.
In the face of these daunting challenges, Nigeria must prioritize the implementation of comprehensive strategies to build resilience in its agricultural sector. One of the key strategies for building resilience in the agricultural sector is the adoption of climate-smart farming practices. This approach involves the implementation of sustainable agricultural techniques that aim to increase productivity, enhance resilience to climate-related risks, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Some of the climate-smart practices that can be implemented in Nigeria include: diversification of crops and livestock; Conservation agriculture; Agroforestry; Improved water management
Diversification of crops and livestock would entail encouraging farmers to grow a wider range of crops and raise different livestock species can help mitigate the risks associated with a single crop failure or livestock disease outbreak. This diversity can also improve the overall resilience of the agricultural system.
Promoting farming practices that minimize soil disturbance, maintain permanent soil cover, and diversify crop rotations can help improve soil health, increase moisture retention, and reduce erosion – all of which are crucial for withstanding the impacts of climate change.
Integrating the cultivation of trees and shrubs with crops or livestock can provide multiple benefits, such as improving soil fertility, increasing biodiversity, and providing additional income streams for farmers. Implementing techniques such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties can help farmers adapt to changing precipitation patterns and reduce their reliance on limited water resources.
Strengthening Institutional and Policy Frameworks will also work. This is In addition to these on-farm interventions, building resilience in the agricultural sector also requires strengthening the broader institutional and policy framework. This includes:
Investment in agricultural research and development, Effective extension services, Access to finance and Policy support.
Increased funding and support for research institutions to develop climate-smart technologies, improved crop varieties, and innovative farming practices can help equip farmers with the tools they need to adapt to climate change. Also, Strengthening extension services to provide timely information and support to farmers on climate-smart practices can enhance their capacity to implement these techniques effectively.
Improving access to credit and financial services for farmers can enable them to invest in necessary resources such as seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems that are essential for implementing climate-smart practices. Developing supportive policies that promote sustainable agriculture, incentivize the adoption of climate-smart practices, and facilitate access to markets can create an enabling environment for building resilience.