7 Ways Crop Farmers Can Succeed in Dry-Season Farming

The dry season in Nigeria is already setting in, marked by the fading of persistent rain and an increase in temperature. According to the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), October marks the gradual end of the rainy season, especially in northern Nigeria. While the southern part of the country may still experience occasional rainfall by the end of the month, farmers in northern states like Sokoto, Borno and Adamawa can begin their dry season farming activities properly.

For the average person, it is a welcome sight to see clear skies again and not worry about rainfall disrupting plans; for farmers, the dry season could be the beginning of a challenging period. This period, especially due to the current changing climate conditions, is usually marked by scarce water and nutrients. They dry up as the number of sunlight periods increases and the temperature of the environment increases. Farmers can experience economic stress due to low productivity and rising production costs.

While the dry season generally affects all farmers, the specifics of its impact vary for crop and livestock farmers. In this article, we will examine how the dry season affects crop farmers and the best strategies to mitigate these challenges.

Dry season farming for crop farmers

Dry-season farming for crop farmers typically presents operational challenges and poses a threat to crop survival. If cold weather and flooded premises discourage farming in the rainy season, heat stroke and general drought effects on crops define farming in the dry season. The following are some of the significant issues crop farmers face in the dry season.

Water Scarcity: The primary obstacle is the limited availability of water for irrigation. The rainwater that feeds the crops and keeps the soil and atmosphere moist naturally is absent. Thus, the effect of higher temperatures becomes more prevalent. Dried-up soil begins to crack, and crops start to wilt due to the increased heat. Without adequate intervention to provide an artificial source of water, the adverse effects of water scarcity can result in farmers losing harvests.

Temperature Stress: The transition from cloudy skies, humid weather and wet ground to sunny skies, heat and dry soil can negatively impact crop growth because it is harder for plants to absorb nutrients. Global warming has also increased the Earth's temperature, leading to further land degradation. Record levels of heat that cause heat strokes in humans also have serious effects on crops, affecting their immune system and their ability to resist disease and produce fruits.

High Costs: Managing water and temperature during the dry season requires significant resources. Substantial investments are required to install irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation and sprinklers for water efficiency, as well as to implement proper soil management techniques. These high costs also extend to labour, as hiring workers can be challenging and expensive during the dry season due to the unfavourable temperatures in open fields. Rising operational costs include purchasing (or pumping) water, paying for power, and maintaining machinery or greenhouses.

Security: Due to the peculiarities of Nigeria and some sub-Saharan countries, battling desert encroachment and the resulting scarcity of grazing resources triggers conflicts between farmers and herders during the dry season.  Herd owners commonly move animals to other grazing areas, often southward into higher rainfall zones. This influx leads to conflicts with other herders or farming groups competing for limited pasture and water resources

Effective Dry-Season Farming Strategies for Crop Farmers

For farmers engaging in dry-season cultivation, preparation revolves around securing inputs, managing water efficiently, and timing cultivation correctly. Here are some practical tips that work:

1. Secure a Bankable Water Source: The foremost challenge is water scarcity. Farmers must secure their water source for irrigation before embarking on dry-season farming. This source could be a nearby well, a borehole, or collected water through water harvesting during the rainy season.

2. Use Efficient Irrigation Systems: Install and use efficient artificial irrigation systems like drip irrigation and sprinklers, as these are water-efficient systems that deliver water directly to the crops, maximising usage.

3. Conserve Soil Moisture: Apply mulching (organic or plastic) to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and help applied irrigation water stay longer on the soil surface, countering the rapid drying caused by the dry atmosphere.

4. Timing and Land Preparation: Take the opportunity of the last rains to cultivate and prepare the land (tilling, making beds). Waiting until the land is arid makes preparation more expensive and risks late planting, potentially missing the peak crop sale periods.

5. Select Drought-Tolerant Crops: Choose drought-tolerant crops such as millet, sorghum, cowpeas, tomatoes, and peppers, as they are better adapted to low water conditions and high temperatures.

6. Fix Inputs and Soil Health: Ensure certified and improved seeds are purchased, as input quality significantly determines productivity. Conduct soil testing and enrich the soil with organic compost or fertilisers to enhance fertility and structure before planting.

7. Plan for Labour and Market: Have a guaranteed source of labour, especially for large-scale operations, as hiring farm labour can be challenging. Crucially, determine what the market demands during the peak dry season, where to supply the product, and at what price to ensure profitability

Adopting these strategies not only helps farmers survive the tough dry season but can also improve productivity and income. Continuous monitoring of climate trends and advancements in irrigation technologies remains crucial for successful adaptation.