By Abdullahi Lukman
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged African leaders to transition from rain-fed agriculture to climate-smart and irrigation-based farming systems to ensure long-term food security across the continent.
His comments were made during the 6th African Regional Conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) in Abuja on Monday.
Governor Zulum emphasized the urgent need for strategic reforms and investments in Africa’s agricultural sector to create sustainable food systems.
“To feed ourselves sustainably, we must rethink how we grow our food,” he said, advocating for a shift to resilient, water-smart approaches.
Zulum called for the development of efficient and inclusive irrigation infrastructure, alongside comprehensive policy reforms and financing mechanisms.
The Governor highlighted the importance of transboundary cooperation and private sector involvement, as well as the protection of communities dependent on shared water resources.
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He also stressed the need for empowering research institutions, promoting innovation, and involving women and youth in agriculture.
Drawing on his experience in Borno State, which is undergoing agricultural transformation through sustainable irrigation initiatives, Governor Zulum underscored the role of agriculture in rebuilding communities affected by climate change and conflict.
The Governor also pointed to the severe environmental impact of climate change, citing the alarming decline of Lake Chad, which has lost nearly 90 percent of its original size since the 1960s.
He warned that this degradation, along with unpredictable rainfall patterns, poses a significant threat to livelihoods and regional stability.
Zulum cited data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), predicting that continuing rainfall unpredictability could reduce crop yields by 50 percent by 2030, further exacerbating food insecurity.
“This is not just a statistic—it is a direct threat to food security, public health, and the future of millions of families,” he said.
The conference, attended by key dignitaries including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, provided a platform for discussing solutions to Africa’s agricultural and water challenges.
