From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala has said, the global climate crisis has left no sector untouched, and agriculture, which forms the backbone of the nation’s economy, is particularly more vulnerable to the crisis.
Prof. Bala stated this while declaring open 2024 National Agricultural Extension Review and Planning Meeting organized by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS/ABU) held at the institute’s Conference hall.
The VC said, across Nigeria, farmers are feeling the impacts of erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and extended dry spells.
He noted that the climatic changes threaten food security, rural livelihoods, and the country’s progress toward sustainable development.
He noted that the theme of the meeting, “The Climate Change: Rethinking Agric Research, Extension, and Cropping Pattern in Nigeria,” could not be more timely and relevant than now.
The Vice Chancellor called on the participants to rethink not only how, “we produce and distribute food but also how we conduct research, deliver extension services, and support our farmers in the face of new environmental challenges”.
“As a leading institution of higher learning and research, Ahmadu Bello University is committed to driving impactful agricultural research that addresses the evolving needs of our farmers and communities”.
“Today, we must ask ourselves critical questions. Are our research agendas aligned with the realities of climate change? Are we prioritizing studies that foster resilience to droughts, floods, and pests exacerbated by climate variability?”
“And are we exploring innovative methods and technologies that could transform our farming systems into climate-resilient models”?. He stated.
The VC added, “our research must pivot to deal with these questions by investing in climate-adaptive research, we can equip our farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to withstand unpredictable growing seasons.
“Today, the role of extension officers extends beyond merely disseminating information and they must be empowered to support farmers with adaptive practices that respond to changing weather patterns and promote environmental sustainability.
“To enhance food security and minimize risks, we must carefully reconsider our cropping patterns and practices while
traditional planting cycles are no longer sustainable in the face of climate disruptions.
“It is a collective mission that calls for partnerships between universities, research institutes, government agencies, private sector players, and the farmers themselves.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director NAERLS Prof. Yusuf Ahmad Sani said, Climate change is no longer a distant reality, “its impacts are here, reshaping ecosystems, altering rainfall patterns, and threatening food security across the globe”.
He added that for a nation where agriculture contributes significantly to GDP and employs over 70% of the rural population, the stakes could not be higher.
“These challenges are particularly devastating for our smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of food production. Without proactive measures, climate change threatens not just food security but the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
“The Nigerian agricultural sector must rise to this challenge with innovative thinking and deliberate action.
“Addressing climate change necessitates a shift in how and what we grow. Cropping patterns must align with emerging climatic realities such as diversification, agroecology and conservation agriculture.
“The collaboration between federal and state governments, research institutes, NGOs, and private sector actors is vital. Policymakers must prioritize funding for climate-resilient agricultural initiatives and ensure that farmers have access to affordable inputs and insurance against climate risks.
“NAERLS is committed to working with government agencies, donor organizations, and the private sector to ensure the resources and frameworks are in place for sustainable agricultural transformation”. Sani said.