Nigerian Agribusiness Group Pushes For Climate-Smart Agriculture To Combat Climate Change

***News in brief:

• Nigeria's agribusiness group is raising concerns about climate change's impact on agriculture and advocating for widespread adoption of climate-smart practices.
• It developed a Climate-Smart Agriculture Framework that protects farmers' livelihoods, contribute to improving environmental health and secure financing for the transition.*** The Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG) is sounding the alarm on the impact of climate change on the nation's agricultural sector. They are also advocating for the widespread adoption of climate-smart practices to ensure food security and mitigate environmental damage. Jafar Umar, Director General of NABG, made the call while unveiling the group's newly developed Climate-Smart Agriculture Framework at a validation event, according to a local media report. He emphasised its urgency in the face of harsh realities of climate change threatening crop yields and agricultural heritage. The framework, he explained, champions resilient and regenerative farming practices as essential for sustaining agricultural productivity and protecting the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers. Beyond boosting productivity, the group recognises its responsibility under international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the impact of climate change on agricultural systems. Integrating sustainable practices into farming methods, Umar said, aims to contribute to a healthier environment for all. Furthermore, the framework prioritises supporting smallholder farmers, acknowledging their critical role in the sector's overall prosperity. It also recognises that sustainable change requires sustainable financing and outlines strategies to secure funding for the transition towards climate-smart agriculture. Arc Kabir Ibrahim, NABG Chairman, mentioned the importance of disseminating the framework and educating farmers in their local languages across all 774 local governments of the country. He sees climate-smart agriculture as a 'game-changer' for Nigeria and Africa, enabling food security and optimised productivity to feed a growing population. Consultant Obinna Igwebuike, involved in the framework's development, echoed the need to focus on improving productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers, while simultaneously mainstreaming regenerative and resilient practices. Building farmer capacity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural processes are also crucial objectives which he said will position Nigeria as a regional leader in climate-smart agriculture.