By Maryam Afolabi
In the pre-industrialization era of Africa, where agriculture served as the primary economic activity for nations, the onset of the rainy season was typically met with enthusiasm and was often considered a blessing.
This was particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of fruits and crops were seasonal. During this time, both farmers and traders reveled in the bountiful harvests that the rainy season brought.
However, in the contemporary context marked by the global impact of climate change, which has affected regions including Sub-Saharan countries like Nigeria, the constant and unceasing rainfall is no longer viewed as a favorable omen.
Nigeria as a case study is characterized by a wide variety of Eco regions. There are two major seasons in Nigeria—the dry season (typically from November to March) and the rainy season (typically from April to October).
However, according to reports by climate experts, the durations and intensities of rainfall have increased, producing large runoffs and flooding in many places in Nigeria.
As the 2023 rainy season is gradually subsiding, some Nigerians especially farmers may be sad to see the season go, however many others are finally heaving a sigh of relief, and looking forward to dry land and dry weather.
It is no longer surprising the period that used to be anticipated and welcomed with so much joy is fast becoming the most dreaded period for many Nigerians especially those living in the flood-prone zones.
Over the past decade, many states in Nigeria have been hit annually with devastating floods which have caused loss of lives and properties and rendered thousands of people homeless, despite the constant predictions and warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to prepare people.
In late August 2012, Nigeria experienced its worst flooding in four decades, affecting 7 million people across 33 states, including Kogi state. Among those affected, over 2 million individuals were displaced from their homes due to rising floodwaters.
This article, however, focuses on the impact of climate change on agriculture in Nigeria.
Over the past decade, food security in Nigeria has faced various threats, including issues like poor infrastructure, urban migration, conflicts between farmers and herders, and heightened insecurity, among others.
Nonetheless, the gradual shift in climate has emerged as a major contributing factor. Gone are the days when farmers and agricultural scientists could rely on precise rain patterns to determine the fate of their crop yields.
Nowadays, farmers must invest in technologies such as irrigation to provide necessary support for their crops.
Unfortunately, the majority of farmers in Nigeria, particularly those in rural areas (which constitute the primary agricultural zones of the country), lack access to such technologies.
Moreover, they receive insufficient support from the government and other stakeholders to effectively address the significant impacts of climate change on food security.
Despite the growing global awareness of climate change, including within Nigeria, the nation is still in the early stages of adapting to and finding solutions for the challenges faced by farmers in response to shifting climate patterns.
The journey towards effectively addressing these issues and preparing for future climate shifts remains a considerable undertaking.
However, it will make a huge difference if farmers in Nigeria are included in decisions and policy-making that affect climate change and how the effects can be controlled and managed.
Maryam Afolabi Writes from Ilorin, you can reach her on 08130047863
Maryamoyin@gmail.com
