The agricultural sector is considered one of Nigeria’s most important ones because it contributes much to the GDP and offers job opportunities for many people. The key players involved in the farming sector are the smallholder farmers who are faced with some challenges such as; climatic change, security, and increasing costs of the inputs. All the global climate change impacts are mostly adverse, affecting food production and security because of impacts such as weather hitches like drought, and floods—affecting crop growth and yields. To address these challenges, a two-day national workshop organized by the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES) together with the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) was held. This co-creation workshop aimed at improving the scope of smallholder agriculture adaptation in Nigeria by bringing key institutions, actors, and people from Nigeria and other members of the global south to look for other main areas of potential investment in capacity for action research.
The Results of the Workshop
The national workshop was centered on the enhancement of smallholder agriculture adaptation in Nigeria. The primary outcome was to build awareness of adaptation measures. A major focus was centered on climate change impact scenarios and the impact they have on smallholder Agriculture. There was a consensus among the farmers that more effective adaptation measures ought to be put in place to deal with the impacts of climate change. For these reasons, the workshop also focused on practices that help reduce risks and strengthen food security. These practices included conservation tillage, improved feeding of livestock, and water management. Therefore, gender mainstreaming was given importance with regard to gender-sensitive planning and implementation of Climate Adaptation policies
Parallel sessions gave ideas regarding the respective sub-sectors such as crop/agroforestry, livestock and fisheries, water & gender. Participants correctly pointed to current knowledge gaps and further research and adaptation requirements. The technical consultations sought to develop a combined strategy that would improve smallholder agriculture adaptation in Nigeria.
Another area of focus was the Nigerian Climate Change Policy (NCCP) for agriculture. This policy is meant to support sustainable development that is climate-resilient, low-carbon, and gender-responsive.
Climate Risk Projections and Their Implications
There will be more rapid and severe changes to the climate as time goes by if action is not effectively taken and this will immensely affect agriculture. Some of the changes include often and prolonged drought and intense rainfall. Such climate affects the planting calendar and the crop yields. Also, high temperatures have negative impacts on the productivity of crops and the quality of crops produced. The majority of the smallholders in Nigeria practice rain-fed agriculture production systems making them vulnerable to the effects of weather changes.
It is high time that farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture practices. These are conservation tillage, proper drainage, and selection of resistant crop varieties. This can also be complemented by newly improved water management systems and small-scale mechanization. Also, the level of resilience can increase through encouraging sustainable land management practices and practices such as agroforestry. In addition, farmers can stay prepared when they access simplified climate information and early warning systems. The application of these strategies is to help smallholder farmers in Nigeria adapt to climate change for future food security.
Nigeria’s Climate Change Policy for Agriculture
In a bid to drive the agricultural sector, the Nigerian government through its development agenda formulated the Nigeria Climate Change Policy (NCCP) for agriculture in order to enhance low-carbon and climate-resilient agriculture. The principal aims following this model entail reducing vulnerability, strengthening community and ecosystem relations, and fashioning a resilient socio-economy.
Other strategic actions proposed under NCCP entail: increasing the adoption of climate change mitigation activities in agriculture, strengthening the development of climate change knowledge and information, and improving on the use of adaptation instruments at the farm and community stages. This policy also focuses on enhancing the extension services, enhancing Indigenous knowledge, and supporting the public and private interests in climate-smart investments.
It is important to note that for the policy to work, women and vulnerable groups must be encouraged to go for the test. A significant portion of the Nigerian population is involved in agriculture, and a large population of these people are women. For this reason, the NCCP seeks to promote gender-sensitive planning and subsequent implementation. It also promotes the participation of women and other vulnerable persons in the decision-making process and ensures that they have access to resources, training, and technologies.
Engaging these vulnerable groups is useful to achieve the objectives of the community and make the process of adaptation more efficient. In achieving these goals and actions, Nigeria’s climate change policy seeks to guarantee food security and advancement in agricultural production despite the disruptions caused by climate change.
Agriculture Sub-sector Insights
Crop/Agroforestry
During this co-creation workshop, crop farmers enlightened us on their adaptation techniques and the problems they face as well as areas that require further research to enhance resilience. Some of the techniques include sustainable land and water management for crops and agroforestry. This is done majorly through soil surveying, water conservation practices, and the construction of mini-earth dams. They also receive weather and climate information in the farmers’ languages which keeps them prepared for the season. However, there are still some problems, for instance, there are not enough irrigation facilities and there are not many meteorological stations.
Some specific adaptation activities suggested included the training of local craftsmen to build required equipment and harmonization of communication on climate-smart practices. Action research requirements involve soil nutrient practices, agroforestry practices, and small-scale irrigation systems.
Livestock and Fisheries
Livestock and fisheries farmers also have strategies to address the impacts of climate on livestock and fish farming. Many farmers have adopted rearing improved indigenous breeds, changed their feeding techniques, and improved their water management skills.
Also, there are some policies that are meant to enhance the resilience of livestock and fish farmers in Nigeria. Some of the policies include the National Diary Policy and National Livestock Development Policy. However, there are issues as regards policy implementation, awareness, and funding.
Farmers pointed out some of the priority areas that require improvement and research including feed resources, indigenous knowledge, and breeding. Also, they require improved extension services and improved access to climate information.
Water Resources and Irrigation
Some of the existing approaches toward water resources and irrigation include the formulation of the master plan and the construction of climate-proof structures. The National Water Resource Master Plan and the National Irrigation and Drainage Policy are other policies that seek to enhance water management. However, there are some limitations such as data gaps, climatic information, and policy transparency.
One of the major challenges is the poor cooperation between the governmental and private organizations. Specific research requirements include improved water control structures, small earth dams for dry season agriculture, and climate-responsive initiatives like solar pumping. Increased engagement with the stakeholders and improved dissemination of climate information to farmers will also be vital for implementation.
Gender dynamics in agriculture adaptation
Men and women in Agriculture experience the same impacts of climate change differently. This is because women are disadvantaged by a lack of resources, low literacy levels, and cultural restraints among others. These factors lower their efficiency, and resilience and raise their exposure to climatic shocks. Women are usually assigned the responsibility of producing food, and therefore food security is squarely on their shoulders. Measures for mainstreaming gender considerations into climate policies are therefore relevant.
It is important to integrate decisions and distribute resources fairly and evenly. This includes land, credit, and other production inputs such as agricultural production inputs. Training and capacity-building programs should also focus on women as this will enable them to get more knowledge and skills in climate-smart agriculture. Gender mainstreaming through budgeting and planning is also important in responding to the needs of women in agriculture. Also, the workshop discussions pointed out that there should be the use of specific gender desks in policy-making organs. These desks assist in making sure that gender perspectives are incorporated in each and every decision-making process.
For example, women-driven community seed banks have enhanced women’s access to and utilization of quality seeds. Similarly, awareness creation to women farmers on water management and conservation has enhanced agricultural productivity and water security. All these strategies and success stories reemphasize the need to involve women in the fight against climate change. Equal treatment for both genders when it comes to climate change impacts that equally affect men and women will put Nigeria at the top in the agricultural sector is concerned.
Call to Action
Conclusively, It is also imperative that all the stakeholders maintain interest in the issue. Strengthening and implementation of climate-smart measures, improving water resources management as well as promoting gender-sensitive policies are important. Support Nigeria’s smallholder farmers for sustainable agriculture food security and enhanced incomes. It is time for action for the betterment of the whole of tomorrow.