By Obiabin Onukwugha
An environmental advocacy body, Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC), has expressed concern over the alarming impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
CAMIC said with agriculture being the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a primary source of livelihood for millions, the repercussions of climate variability and extreme weather events are far-reaching and severe.
Nigeria has been experiencing a marked increase in temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and an uptick in extreme weather events such as droughts and floods.
CAMIC in a statement signed by its Chief Growth Officer, Pius Alabi, in Abuja on Thursday, stated that the changes in climate patterns were driving food shortages in the country.
The statement read in part: “These changes are disrupting planting and harvesting cycles, reducing crop yields, and exacerbating food insecurity. Smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, are particularly vulnerable, facing reduced incomes and increased poverty.”
The environmental advocacy body emphasised the need to address the pressing challenges through multifaceted approach.
“CAMIC urges a multi-faceted approach involving immediate and long-term strategies: such as implementation of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practice, strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness, investment in agricultural research and development, policy support and infrastructure development, community engagement and capacity building, international cooperation and funding.
“The impact of climate change on agriculture is a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s food security and economic stability. We must act now, collaboratively and decisively, to safeguard our agricultural sector and secure the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians,” the statement read.
The statement added that CAMIC remains committed to raising awareness, advocating for policy change, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices to combat the adverse effects of climate change in Nigeria.