Climate Change: Experts warn on impending food scarcity

As climate change continues to have its toll on the production of crops and other staple foods across the country, experts have raised alarm over an impending food scarcity in months to come.

Even, farmers who had invested heavily on their farms this year, have been licking their wounds, as they continue to record losses, especially as a result of the erratic rain pattern, coupled with the outbreak of pest attack on crops.

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had warned, earlier this year that the current rainfall prediction indicates that this year, the rainy season will be characterised by “late on-set, early cessation and lower-than-normal rainfall in many parts of the country, especially in the northernmost parts.”

The Agricultural sector seems to be the most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions as unusual weather and extreme climate phenomena is witnessed in some parts of the country, coupled with other natural disasters.

Aside the devastating pest attack, known as Tuta absoluta, which affected tomato farms in Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Plateau states, that led to its recent scarcity, maize farms, banana plantations, vegetable farms and other crops have been seriously affected, leading to low yields, with its effect on output.

The Guardian learnt that some states in the Southwest, especially Ogun and Ondo State are witnessing outbreak of armyworm, ravaging most of the maize and vegetable farms. The outbreak, as gathered was triggered by the change in climatic conditions generally.

The chairman of Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), Chief Akin Olotu, who raised alarm of imminent famine, warned that if government does not take urgent steps, the development might worsen the already bad situation.

He noted that the erratic rain pattern witnessed since last May, badly affected their maize farms. “Those that planted maize in anticipation that the rain would be steady had to lick their wounds. Our agriculture in this part of Nigeria is largely, rain fed.”

“As if this is not enough, the outbreak of army worm in the state is another blow. Most of the maize farms are presently ravaged by worm. The outbreak is triggered by the change in the climatic condition generally.”

The chairman advocated urgent need of adopting a new farming system that is sustainable in all ramifications, adding that it will only become a reality with a complete re-orientation of the farming populace. He said it is time to give preference to organic fertilizer, which will assist in improving soil structure and better water retention.

Chairman of All Farmer’s Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Segun Dasaolu, said the development has led to shortage of food, causing hunger across the country. “With the climate change, farmers cannot plant at the right time and this reduces the amount of food to be produced for the populace, this is a sign of hunger for the populace. It is glaring that we have shortage of food in the country, which is linked to the climate change. We are witnessing serious effect of this on Agric produce. Since the rain pattern affects how farmers plan their businesses, surely, it must have affect on agric output. As at now, you’ll see a lot of distortion in the farm practice, which affects agricultural output.

“If the climate had changed and we are aware, what are we doing to cope with it as people and government? It is high time we no longer rely on climate, we are blessed with natural resources, so our farmers should not wait till rain falls to plant. So, irrigation farming should be encouraged. It is the duty of government to rise up to the expectation of the people.”

On her part, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ronke Shokenu said the development did not in any way support production of arable goods.  “We have good soil, but everybody talks about climate change, look at the heat we experienced in May, it doesn’t support agricultural production; and agriculture does not exist without primary production, those are the things we are aiming at.”

She noted that states in the North that have done very well this year in the sector, are majorly, beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s irrigation programmes that had assisted them.