_By Abbas Nazil_
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is grappling with an escalating food crisis as climate change continues to disrupt its agricultural sector.
Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are jeopardizing food sustainability, leaving millions at risk of hunger.
The impact on agriculture is severe, with declining crop yields, reduced livestock productivity, and growing food insecurity threatening the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
Farmers, who predominantly rely on rain-fed agriculture, are struggling to adapt to erratic weather patterns.
Prolonged droughts, flash floods, and shifting growing seasons have led to lower harvests and decreased food availability.
The consequences of these climate-induced disruptions are already evident—food prices are rising, malnutrition is increasing, and the country’s ability to feed its growing population is being severely tested.
In 2018 alone, an estimated 25 million Nigerians were undernourished, a staggering 180% increase from a decade earlier.
Without urgent intervention, this number is expected to rise further.
Addressing the threat of climate change on Nigeria’s food sustainability requires a multi-dimensional approach.
The promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as irrigation systems, drought-resistant crop varieties, and agroforestry, is essential.
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Investing in climate-smart agricultural technologies can help improve productivity while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Enhancing food storage and distribution infrastructure is also critical in reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring food reaches those in need.
International cooperation will play a key role in Nigeria’s fight against climate-induced food insecurity.
By collaborating with global partners, the country can access much-needed climate finance, advanced technologies, and scientific expertise to build resilience in its agricultural sector.
Additionally, policymakers must implement supportive policies that encourage climate adaptation and provide farmers with access to climate information and advisory services.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) offers a sustainable path forward by increasing agricultural productivity while reducing environmental impacts.
It focuses on sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and emissions reduction.
Practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, improved irrigation systems, and climate-resilient crop varieties can significantly enhance productivity and farmers’ resilience to climate shocks.
However, challenges such as limited financial access, weak institutional support, and soil degradation must be addressed for these solutions to be effective.
The urgency to act cannot be overstated.
With a rapidly growing population and worsening climate conditions, Nigeria must prioritize sustainable agricultural strategies to secure its food future.
Policymakers, farmers, and international stakeholders must work collectively to combat climate change and protect the nation’s food security before the crisis deepens further.
