By Boluwatife Adedokun
Nigerian farmers have experienced a geometric setback because of climate change.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, employing about 70% of the population and contributing roughly 24% to the nation’s GDP. Yet, the sector faces mounting challenges as climate change disrupts traditional farming practices. Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and recurring heatwaves are increasingly the norm, reshaping the landscape of farming and threatening food security across the country.
Across Nigeria, farmers report that the once predictable patterns of the rainy and dry seasons have become increasingly unreliable. According to a 2023 Associated Press report, rains often arrive late or end prematurely, forcing farmers to delay planting or harvest crops before maturity. This erratic rainfall has led to poor germination rates and reduced crop yields for key staples such as maize, millet, and sorghum. The unpredictability makes it difficult for farmers to plan their agricultural calendar, increasing the risk of total crop failure.
In southwestern states like Osun, farmers have witnessed shorter rainy seasons accompanied by intense dry spells. Independent Nigeria reports that these dry spells reduce soil moisture levels critical for seedling survival. Heatwaves that often coincide with these drought periods exacerbate plant stress and reduce crop productivity. For instance, maize farmers in Osun and neighboring states lament that the combination of heat and drought has decreased their yields by up to 40% in some seasons.
The pastoralist communities also face profound climate-related hardships. A Reuters investigation detailed how Nigerian herders have been forced to migrate farther from their traditional grazing lands due to drought-induced pasture depletion and water shortages. This displacement intensifies conflicts with sedentary farmers over dwindling resources, creating social tensions that undermine rural livelihoods. Livestock deaths during heatwaves and droughts further imperil food supplies and income for these communities.
Moreover, climate change accelerates soil degradation, compounding the difficulties farmers face. As noted by Business Day Nigeria, rising temperatures increase evaporation rates, drying out the soil’s top layer and leaching essential nutrients. Soil erosion, driven by heavy rains and deforestation, strips fertile lands of their productive capacity. Without investment in soil conservation techniques, farmers find it increasingly costly and challenging to maintain healthy crops.
Despite these daunting obstacles, there are signs of adaptation. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been actively promoting climate-smart agriculture, encouraging practices like agroforestry, conservation tillage, water harvesting, and integrated pest management to build resilience against climatic shocks. Early-maturing and drought-resistant crop varieties developed by research institutes such as the National Agricultural Seed Council are beginning to reach farmers, improving harvest prospects under erratic weather.
Government programs also seek to support adaptation efforts. The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, funded partly by international partners, focuses on restoring degraded lands, improving water use efficiency, and training farmers in resilient agricultural practices. However, Business Day reports that bureaucratic delays, underfunding, and limited extension services hamper the widespread adoption of these innovations.
Experts emphasize the need for stronger policy frameworks and investment. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) advocates for improved irrigation infrastructure and early warning systems that deliver timely weather forecasts to rural farmers, helping them make informed decisions. Expansion of agricultural extension services and increased research funding to develop locally adapted crop varieties remain urgent priorities to boost farmer resilience.
The human cost of climate change in Nigeria’s agriculture sector is significant. Beyond economic losses, disrupted farming livelihoods threaten rural communities’ stability and the nation’s ability to feed its population. Without swift, coordinated action involving government, research institutions, and local farmers, Nigeria risks deeper food insecurity and rural poverty.
In conclusion, while Nigerian farmers are facing unprecedented climate challenges, the path forward lies in embracing innovative, climate-resilient farming techniques combined with stronger institutional support. These steps will be critical to securing Nigeria’s food future in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
