By Faridat Salifu
Growing climate pressures on Nigeria’s agricultural sector have triggered renewed advocacy for the widespread adoption of climate-smart farming practices to safeguard food production.
Stakeholders in the agriculture and environment space say unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and flooding are steadily undermining crop yields and farmer livelihoods across the country.
At a recent capacity-building session for rural farmers, experts shifted focus from conventional practices to adaptive techniques designed to withstand climate variability while sustaining productivity.
Participants were introduced to low-cost innovations such as organic soil enrichment, water-efficient irrigation systems, and the use of locally sourced materials for pest control to reduce dependence on expensive external inputs.
Speakers at the event stressed that improving soil health remains central to boosting yields, urging farmers to integrate both organic and inorganic fertilisers in ways that preserve long-term soil fertility.
They noted that climate-smart agriculture not only enhances productivity but also reduces environmental degradation, positioning it as a critical tool in balancing food production with ecosystem protection.
The experts further highlighted the vulnerability of smallholder farmers, warning that failure to adapt could deepen food insecurity and economic strain in already at-risk communities.
They called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, development partners, and local farming groups to scale up access to training, technology, and financing needed to accelerate the transition.
With food demand rising alongside climate risks, stakeholders insist that building resilient agricultural systems is no longer optional but essential for Nigeria’s food security future.