Prioritize Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation Strategy In Agric Sector, Expert urge FG

Agriculture expert has urged the Federal government to prioritize climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in agriculture to help farmers mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The expert, Mrs Tolulope Aina, who is the Founder of Agrolearn, in an interview with journalists on Tuesday, in Abuja said the Nigeria’s Government should strengthen and prioritize the agricultural sector to effectively contribute to overall economic development and food security in Nigeria.

“It is essential to implement additional measures to ensure long-term sustainability to boost the agricultural sector for food security and create jobs in the country,”she said.

According to her, policy support and climate resilience would pave the way for a thriving and inclusive agricultural sector aligned with the President’s vision in improving food security.

She urged the government to facilitate easy access to affordable credit and establish specialized agricultural financing programs to stimulate investment, modernize farming practices, and enhance overall productivity within the sector.

Aina further urged the FG to invest in rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, rural roads and storage facilities to enable efficient transportation of produce, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen agricultural value chains as part of measures to improve the sector.

She stressed the need for the establishment of robust market linkages for farmers and agribusinesses by setting up agricultural marketing boards and improving market information systems to connect producers with buyers, processors and exporters.

According to her, the government should offer comprehensive training programs and technical assistance to farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders to enhance their skills, knowledge, and adoption of best practices across various agricultural domains.

“They should invest in agricultural research and development to improve crop varieties as well as develop resilient farming systems and enhance overall productivity.

“They should collaborate with research institutions and international organizations to foster innovation within the agricultural sector,”she said.

Aina also urged the government to implement policies and regulatory frameworks that support agricultural growth, value addition and market access.

She called for an enabling environment to address issues of land tenure, trade barriers, food safety and quality standards in the agricultural sector.

She advised the government to create awareness and promote climate-smart farming practices and water management techniques to enhance resilience in farming operations.