Resilient Agriculture: Adapting to Climate Change for Food Security

As climate change increasingly impacts global ecosystems, the agriculture sector faces unprecedented challenges. These changes threaten food security and economic stability for many countries, particularly in the developing world. Nigeria, with its vast agricultural sector, is no exception. Remarkably, USAID recounts that 2.5 billion individuals in low and middle-income countries depend on climate-influenced activities like agriculture, pastoralism and fisheries. Unfortunately, the UN says that agricultural productivity across Africa has decreased by 34% due to climate change, a higher decline than in any other region.

Adapting to climate change through resilient agricultural practices is imperative to ensure sustainable food production and secure livelihoods. This article delves into the strategies and implications of enhancing climate resilience in agriculture, with a focus on Nigerian agriculture, and draws on insights from various sources to provide a comprehensive view.

Climate change affects agriculture in multiple ways, including altering rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and shifting growing seasons. These changes can lead to reduced crop yields, soil degradation, and increased pest and disease prevalence. Many African nations, including Nigeria, whose economies heavily depend on climate-sensitive agricultural production systems, are especially susceptible to climate change (Dinar et al, 2006). This susceptibility is evident in the severe impacts of recent flooding in the Niger Delta region and the ongoing prolonged droughts in parts of the Northern region (Apata, 2011).

Another major effect is the alteration of growing seasons. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt traditional farming cycles. For instance, in the Midwest United States, warmer temperatures lead to earlier springs and longer growing seasons. While this might initially seem beneficial, the unpredictable frost-free days can harm crops like corn and soybeans, which rely on specific seasonal cues for optimal growth. Similarly, Nigerian farmers have incurred losses due to the changing unsteady seasons. For instance, Mr Okorie got into a “heavy debt” in 2019 as a result of heavy rainfall.

Another significant impact is the increased pressure from pests and diseases. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns create favorable conditions for these threats. In East Africa, the fall armyworm has become a major threat to maize production, devastating crops and causing significant yield losses. The pest thrives in warmer climates and has spread rapidly due to changing weather patterns, illustrating how climate change exacerbates pest infestations.

Reduced water availability is a critical issue in Africa, where frequent and severe droughts have intensified due to climate change. In countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, prolonged droughts have significantly impacted crops such as maize, sorghum, and millet, which rely on consistent rainfall. The unpredictable and reduced rainfall leads to lower yields, affecting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and worsening food insecurity.

Soil degradation is also accelerated by extreme weather events such as heavy rains and prolonged droughts, which hasten soil erosion and degradation. In the Sahel region of Africa, frequent droughts and poor land management practices have led to significant soil degradation, reducing the land's fertility and productivity. This situation forces many farmers to abandon their lands or switch to less nutritious crops, impacting food security.

Lastly, rising temperatures affect livestock, leading to heat stress and reducing their productivity and health. In Australia, prolonged heat waves have caused significant distress to livestock, particularly cattle and sheep. Farmers have reported decreased milk production, weight loss, and higher mortality rates during extreme heat events, highlighting the broader impacts of climate change on agricultural systems.

According to researchers at USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS), to feed a global population of 9.75 billion by 2050, crop calorie production must increase by 47% from 2011 levels, reaching 14,060 trillion calories. If we continue the normal systems of agriculture given the effects of climate change, we will never be able to meet the goal. Hence, the following are effective strategies that can combat the effects of climate on agricultural systems:

1. Adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture: Climate-smart agricultural practices aim to increase productivity sustainably, adapt and build resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Techniques like no-till farming, cover cropping, and agroforestry help in maintaining soil health, enhancing water retention, and reducing carbon footprint. For instance, farmers in Kenya have successfully integrated agroforestry, planting trees alongside crops, which improves soil quality and provides additional income through the sale of timber and fruits.
2. Diversification of Crops: Diversifying crops helps farmers reduce the risk of total crop failure due to extreme weather events. In regions prone to drought, planting drought-resistant varieties can ensure some level of productivity. For example, in Ethiopia, farmers are shifting from traditional crops to drought-resistant varieties like sorghum and millet, which require less water and are more tolerant to dry conditions.
3. Improved Water Management: Efficient water management techniques are crucial in mitigating the effects of drought and irregular rainfall patterns. Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and the construction of small water reservoirs can help manage water supply better. In West Africa, the use of drip irrigation systems has been shown to significantly improve water use efficiency, allowing farmers to maintain crop yields even during dry spells.
4. Developing Early Warning Systems: Establishing early warning systems for extreme weather events can help farmers prepare and reduce potential losses. Weather forecasting and climate information services provide farmers with timely data to make informed decisions about planting and harvesting. In Mozambique, early warning systems have been implemented to alert farmers of impending floods, giving them time to protect their crops and livestock.
5. Access to Financial Services: Providing farmers with access to financial services, such as crop insurance and credit, helps them invest in climate-resilient technologies and recover from climate-induced losses. In Malawi, microinsurance schemes have been introduced to cover losses from adverse weather conditions, enabling farmers to rebuild and continue farming operations without falling into debt.

Climate change presents significant challenges to global food security, particularly in vulnerable regions like Nigeria. Enhancing climate resilience in agriculture is essential to adapt to these changes and ensure sustainable food production. By diversifying livelihoods, adopting climate-smart practices, improving water management, maintaining soil health, and providing access to climate information, farmers can build resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change.

By implementing the strategies listed above, Nigeria and other countries can safeguard their agricultural sectors, protect livelihoods, and contribute to global food security in the face of a changing climate. The journey towards resilient agriculture requires collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders. As we continue to adapt and evolve, building a resilient agricultural sector will not only ensure food security but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Dinar, A, Hassan, R, Kurukulasuriya, P, Benhin, J & Mendelsohn, R, (2006). The policy nexus between agriculture and climate change in Africa. A synthesis of the investigation under the GEF/WB Project: Regional climate, water and agriculture: Impacts on and adaptation of agro-ecological systems in Africa. CEEPA Discussion Paper No. 39. Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa, University of Pretoria.

Apata T. G. (2011). Effects of global climate change on Nigerian agriculture: an empirical analysis, CBN Journal of Applied Statistics (JAS), 2(1), Article 3.