By Faridat Salifu
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, has said that soil health and fertility are foundational to Nigeria’s strategy to mitigate climate change impacts.
Abdullahi disclosed this on Wednesday bduring the 48th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria held in Abuja.
According to him, the Federal Government is taking decisive steps to combat climate change by focusing on enhancing soil fertility and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.
Addressing the conference with the theme: “Soil Health and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) for Resilient Food Security System,” Abdullahi underscored the critical role of soil health in sustainable agriculture.
“Climate-smart agriculture is essential for adapting to climate change,” he stated.
“Addressing soil degradation and climate change is fundamental for sustainable agriculture.”
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The minister highlighted that soil health and fertility are foundational to Nigeria’s strategy to mitigate climate change impacts.
He outlined several climate-smart practices, including conservation tillage, cover cropping, agroforestry, reforestation, and the cultivation of climate-resilient crops and livestock.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of integrated pest management, nutrient management, and soil testing and analysis. Abdullahi referenced President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, which pointed out the severe challenges facing Nigeria’s arable land, from desert encroachment in the North to coastal flooding and erosion in the South.
The rainy season also brings flooding, displacing multitudes. “These challenges require not just a change in tactics and approach but an injection of new knowledge, innovations, skills, techniques, technology, and value orientation,” he said.
The minister called for a multi-faceted approach to tackle these issues. “The solutions to these problems are within our reach,” Abdullahi asserted.
He stressed the necessity of prioritizing soil health and climate-smart agriculture, encouraging private sector investment, and empowering smallholder farmers.
Abdullahi also noted that integrated pest management and soil nutrient management are vital components of this strategy. “Soil testing and analysis will help us understand and address the specific needs of our soils, leading to better crop yields and resilience against climate change,” he explained.
