Nigeria To Boost Agricultural Imput To Mitigate Climate Change

The National Council on Climate Change in Nigeria says nurturing and restoring the health of the country’s soils will help Nigeria enhance its agricultural productivity, increase resilience to climate change impacts and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.

Director General National Council on Climate Change in Nigeria, Dr Salisu Dahiru who stated this at the First Regional workshop on Climate Smart Soil in Abuja the nation’s capital, said the State of the Nigeria soils directly impacts the country’s ability to feed a growing global population, adapt to a changing climate, and mitigate its effects.

He said Healthy soil plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation and the world at large.

“According the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 2021, the AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land use) sector continues to be critical in the move to a low carbon and climate resilient economy. AFOLU is the second largest contributor to total Greenhouse Gas emissions, contributing 25% of national GHG in 2018, Agriculture contributing 62.6% of the 87MtCO2eq. NDC Climate Smart Agriculture plans aims to sustainably increase agriculture production, enhance food security and development using an integrated approach.” he said.

Dr Dahiru said Healthy soils are not only fertile ground for sustainable agriculture but also act as carbon sinks, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

“we are faced with sobering realities. Soil degradation, loss of arable land, and declining agricultural productivity pose significant threats to global food security. Climate change exacerbates these challenges further, with extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall patterns wreaking havoc on agricultural systems worldwide. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity to recognize the immense potential of healthy soils as a solution to both food security and climate change”.

He explained that the workshop serves as a vital platform to collectively evaluate, refine, and validate the strategies and policies that will guide National Council on Climate Change actions towards a sustainable future.

“We have assembled here a diverse group of experts, scientists, policymakers, and practitioners who will share their knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches to soil health management.” he said.

The Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Mr. Chris Nkwonta said that Soils are integral to the functions of all terrestrial ecosystems, and will help increase sustainable food production.

He also noted that the workshop is a catalyst towards achieving improved food security in the country in line with Mr. President’s Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This workshop on Climate Smart Soil practices for improved food security is very key and timely in view of the current environmental and climate challenges occasioned by the global climate change.” he explained.

He said efforts must be made by relevant institutional and Statutory Agencies to adequately respond to and mitigate the adverse effects of Climate Change on Agriculture and Food Production.

“Climate Change is currently disrupting Agriculture and food production in every corner of the world, from droughts or floods that damage crops to rising seas and other environmental pollutions that threaten rural and agricultural communities.” he said.

Chairman Security and Special Interventions and Climate Change, North East Development Commission, Sam Onuigbo, reaffairm the North East Development Commission (NEDC), commitment in prioritizing agriculture and tackling the challenges from Climate Change.

He however urged stakeholder to remains dedicated to meet the goals set in the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and promote Climate-smart agriculture.

“As we formulate policies, seek training in technology and knowledge, and develop action plans to drive this ambition, we should also remember that the only way we can succeed is by taking these policies down to the grassroots through the involvement and
collaboration of the subnational and local government levels. “ he said.

Also degradation of the soils, especially in Africa, is a pressing concern that impacts not only the food security but also on the ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate.

“Increasing the availability of arable land must start from climate-smart and sustainable soil practices which I am happy that this event is about. We can produce enough food to feed the nation, attract foreign direct investment, earn foreign exchange and create
employment. So, what we are doing here today, and what the potentialities are, provide an optimistic springboard for addressing some of the most germane challenges.” he added.

Dr. Onuigbo also noted that there is need to break the silo system in the country so that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and the private sector and civil society can work in synergy without competition.

The aim of the workshop was to develop a comprehensive framework that integrates soil health considerations into the broader efforts to address food security and climate change.

Oyenike Oyeniyi