By Sani Aliyu, Zaria The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Kabiru Bala, has emphasized that the global climate ...
By Sani Aliyu, Zaria
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Kabiru Bala, has emphasized that the global climate crisis has affected every sector, with agriculture—Nigeria's economic backbone—being particularly vulnerable. Speaking at the 2024 National Agricultural Extension Review and Planning Meeting organized by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS/ABU) and held at the institute's conference hall, Professor Bala highlighted the severe challenges faced by farmers nationwide, including erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and prolonged dry spells. He noted that these climatic changes threaten food security, rural livelihoods, and the nation's efforts toward sustainable development.
Professor Bala described the meeting's theme, "Climate Change: Rethinking Agricultural Research, Extension, and Cropping Patterns in Nigeria," as timely and relevant, urging participants to rethink not only how food is produced and distributed but also how research, extension services, and farmer support systems can adapt to the environmental challenges posed by climate change. He reaffirmed Ahmadu Bello University’s commitment to driving impactful agricultural research aimed at addressing the evolving needs of farmers and communities. He posed critical questions to guide the discussions, including whether research agendas align with the realities of climate change, whether studies prioritize building resilience to climate-related threats such as droughts, floods, and pests, and whether innovative methods and technologies are being explored to transform farming systems into climate-resilient models.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need to invest in climate-adaptive research to equip farmers with the tools to navigate unpredictable growing seasons. He highlighted the evolving role of extension officers, who must now provide farmers with adaptive practices and promote environmental sustainability. Professor Bala stressed that traditional planting cycles are no longer viable and called for a rethinking of cropping patterns to enhance food security and minimize risks, urging partnerships among universities, research institutes, government agencies, private-sector players, and farmers to achieve these goals.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of NAERLS, Professor Yusuf Ahmad Sani, underscored the immediate impacts of climate change, describing it as a reality that is reshaping ecosystems, altering rainfall patterns, and threatening global food security. He highlighted the stakes for Nigeria, where agriculture contributes significantly to GDP and employs over 70% of the rural population. Professor Sani noted that the effects of climate change disproportionately impact smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of food production. Without proactive measures, he warned, climate change could undermine not just food security but also the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
Professor Sani outlined NAERLS' responsibility to spearhead the dissemination of climate-resilient farming solutions through collaborations with stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of focusing agricultural research on climate-resilient crops, leveraging data-driven innovations, and fostering partnerships. He called for the evolution of agricultural extension services to meet the realities of climate change, including adopting mobile-based solutions to bridge the gap between research institutions and farmers, and training extension workers in climate-smart agriculture and modern technologies.
According to Professor Sani, integrating indigenous farming practices with scientific research is essential for developing holistic solutions. He called for deliberate and innovative actions to align cropping patterns with emerging climatic realities and stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments, NGOs, and private-sector actors. He urged policymakers to prioritize funding for climate-resilient agricultural initiatives and ensure farmers have access to affordable inputs and insurance against climate risks.
Professor Sani reiterated NAERLS' commitment to working with government agencies, donor organizations, and the private sector to establish the resources and frameworks needed for sustainable agricultural transformation. He concluded that rethinking agricultural research, revolutionizing extension services, and adopting sustainable cropping patterns are critical to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of feeding Nigeria and driving economic growth. Despite the challenges ahead, he expressed confidence in the sector’s ability to adapt through decisive, inclusive, and innovative actions, positioning Nigerian agriculture as a resilient and sustainable force for national development.
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