The intersection of climate change and food security took center stage at the recent Nigeria Climate Change Forum, where experts gathered to discuss sustainable solutions for ensuring food and nutrition security amidst growing climate challenges. A plenary session, co-hosted by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, and CARE International, brought together leading voices in climate action, agriculture, and nutrition. At the heart of the discussion was the urgent need to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and malnutrition through collaborative and inclusive solutions.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which heavily relies on rainfed farming, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and rising temperatures are reducing crop yields, degrading soil health, and increasing the prevalence of pests and diseases. These challenges are further compounded by the loss of arable land and the declining nutritional quality of staple crops due to elevated carbon dioxide levels. Highlighting the severity of these issues, Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director of GAIN Nigeria, shared alarming statistics: Nigeria is the 34th largest emitter of carbon in Africa, with food systems accounting for about 35% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. He also noted that 8 out of 10 households in Nigeria are food insecure, with a third of children suffering from stunting due to chronic malnutrition. These figures underscore the urgent need for action to address the dual challenges of climate change and food insecurity.
To tackle these pressing issues, panelists emphasized the importance of innovative interventions throughout the food value chain to enhance climate resilience, improve livelihoods, and reduce environmental impacts. Chinedu Agbara, Partner at Sahel Consulting, emphasized the importance of accurate weather data and enhanced infrastructure to support smallholder farmers, who constitute 80% of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce. He highlighted that Nigeria currently has only 157 agri-met stations, significantly fewer than the 9,300 stations recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO advises having one station per 100 square kilometers to ensure adequate coverage and reliable weather information for farmers.
The disproportionate impact of climate change on women, who constitute 70% of smallholder farmers in Nigeria, was another key focus of the discussion. Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Country Director of CARE Nigeria, emphasized the need for gender-equitable interventions that empower women, improve their access to resources, and enhance their resilience to climate shocks. Examples of such interventions include providing drought-resistant seeds, promoting seed banking, and supporting alternative livelihoods for women farmers. Dr. Abdu also called for a stronger focus on climate justice, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the fight against climate change.
On the policy front, Halima Bawa-Bwari, Director of Agriculture, Environment, and Water Resources at the Nigeria Climate Change Council, outlined the government’s efforts to address climate change through frameworks such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). She highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to climate action and the role of international funding mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, in supporting climate-resilient agricultural practices. Bawa-Bwari also emphasized the potential of the carbon market to drive sustainable development.
The panelists also explored the potential of diversifying diets and promoting underutilized, climate-adapted crops such as cowpea, soybean, and lentils. These crops not only offer nutritional benefits but also have co-benefits for the environment, including reducing deforestation and soil degradation. Dr. Ojo suggested that public procurement programs, such as school feeding schemes, could be leveraged to create market demand for these crops, thereby driving investments in their production.
The session concluded with a strong call for collective action and partnerships at all levels. While government policies and frameworks are essential, the private sector, civil society, academia, and individuals all have a role to play in addressing the challenges of climate change. The panelists emphasized the need for inclusive policies that prioritize vulnerable populations and ensure that the benefits of climate action are equitably distributed.
As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, it is clear that no single entity can tackle these challenges alone. Collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to equity must guide our efforts to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security for all. Whether through adopting energy-efficient practices, supporting local farmers, or advocating for inclusive policies, every action counts in building a more resilient and sustainable future.
Key Recommendations from the Session:
1. Increase investment in agro-meteorological stations to provide accurate weather data for farmers.
2. Promote climate-smart agricultural practices and support research into climate-adapted crops.
3. Empower women farmers through gender-equitable interventions and access to resources.
4. Leverage public-private partnerships to scale up climate-resilient initiatives.
5. Diversify diets to include underutilized, nutrient-rich crops with environmental co-benefits.
6. Strengthen policy frameworks and ensure inclusive, coordinated action at all levels.