Mustafa Suleiman, a farmer from the rural village of Hausari in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, is among many struggling to understand the current shortage in rainfall, leading to an unpredictable farming season. In the past, farmers relied on the predictability of weather patterns to determine the ideal planting and harvesting seasons. Climate Change has brought about unpredictable weather conditions, greatly impacting the lives of vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
Traditionally, the rainy season in Mustafa’s village would begin in late March or early April. However, last year, the rains only arrived in June, with significantly lower water volume than usual. This disruption in weather patterns has greatly affected the farming schedules of Mustafa and other farmers, resulting in reduced crop yields.
Unfortunately, the challenges faced by these farmers extend beyond late rainfall. The main river used for irrigation purposes in Mustafa’s community is also drying up, even during the rainy season. This change in climate poses a significant threat to food security in the region. The shift in weather patterns shortens the planting window and brings excessive rainfall variability, negatively impacting rain-fed agriculture communities like Mustafa’s.
In southern Nigeria, specifically in Calabar, Nkese Oyo-Ita, a 75-year-old grandmother, vividly remembers the impact of extreme weather events. She recalls, “Whenever it rained, all the boys would come out with shovels and cutlasses to clear the streets and create gutters. But that was not enough to solve the problem… We lived in extreme fear of being drowned or washed away with our belongings.” Sudden and uncontrollable floods caused by climate change erode the soil and result in the loss of both lives and property. Michael Igboria from Edo State shares the devastating impact on agriculture, saying, “It destroys crops, farms, lands, and houses. We used to have a cocoa plantation, but the erosion swept it away.”
Threats to Food Security and Livelihoods
With over 70 percent of Nigerian families depending on agriculture for their livelihoods, more than half of this population is currently at risk of experiencing food shortages due to low farming yields caused by climate change.
The consequences of climate change are further exacerbating the growing desperation for food supply and driving resource conflicts across Nigeria. Farmer-herder violence has intensified over the past decade, disrupting business operations throughout the country. Urgent action is needed to enhance food and economic resilience to prevent deeper crises.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Food Insecurity
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to Nigeria’s food security and inequality challenges. Although the country was spared the worst of the public health impact, the lockdown measures implemented to contain the virus disrupted food production and severely affected household incomes. During critical months of the planting season in 2020, only 50 percent of agricultural workers were able to work. By August of that year, an estimated 70 percent of households in Nigeria experienced medium to severe food insecurity, with over 67 percent reporting decreased incomes compared to the previous year.
Policy Recommendations
One of the major challenges hindering climate resilience in Nigeria is poor governance and limited stakeholder engagement. While key stakeholders are becoming more aware of the impacts of climate change, the government has struggled to mobilize effective collective action for mitigation and resilience.
To address these pressing issues, it is crucial to initiate long-term efforts to alleviate the underlying pressures on Nigeria’s climate resilience. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP), published by the Federal Ministry of Environment in June 2020, presents a framework for different sectors to collaborate in addressing climate challenges. This plan proposes a sectoral governance approach and assigns specific roles and responsibilities to the private sector, civil society, and national and subnational governments. It also aims to align existing economic, national development, and climate resilience policies with the country’s
Climate goals
A critical objective in Nigeria’s climate adaptation efforts is to reduce vulnerability in terms of food and nutrition while enhancing environmental resilience. The National Agricultural Resilience Framework (NARF) serves as an excellent policy platform to achieve this goal. Additionally, the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) can contribute to addressing conflicts between farmers and herders by fostering mutually beneficial relationships and minimizing harmful competition between these two essential stakeholder groups.
It is worth noting that while Nigeria is home to 2.6 percent of the global population, its contribution to global emissions is only 0.26 percent. Nevertheless, taking steps to reduce emissions in the energy sector can protect Nigeria’s rapidly depleting tree cover and significantly improve the quality of life for millions of citizens. Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s announcement of the National Energy Transition Plan at COP26 in Glasgow is a promising initiative. This plan aims to enhance energy access for over 25 million Nigerian households while reducing dependence on fuelwood.
While the development and announcement of these policies mark an important starting point, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to translate its objectives into tangible action. Consensus around the Nationally Determined Commitments must be deepened, and inclusive implementation programs should involve women, youth, and marginalized communities. These groups have vital roles to play in reducing population pressure, alleviating energy poverty, and improving the productivity of food value chains.
Final Thoughts
In order to raise public awareness about the negative impact of human activities on the environment, widespread campaigns should be conducted through mass media channels. Educating Nigerians about the dangers of climate change and their role in mitigating its effects can foster a sense of responsibility and drive individual and collective action.
Environmental education should also be integrated into the school curriculum, empowering children from an early age to understand climate change and their role in addressing it. By equipping the younger generation with knowledge and awareness, Nigeria can foster a culture of sustainability and ensure a more resilient future.
Ultimately, managing climate fragility risks in Nigeria will require assistance from the international community. With a projected population of 400 million by 2050, the stakes are high not only for Nigeria but for the entire continent and the rest of the world. Collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support from global partners are crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and building a sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria and its people.
By implementing effective policies, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and prioritizing resilience in key sectors, Nigeria can navigate these challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.