Climate Change: Niger urges farmers to adapt as rainfall pattern shifts

The Niger State Government has called upon farmers to embrace climate-smart techniques, such as drought-resistant seeds and staggered planting, to counteract the shifting rainfall patterns that endanger agricultural output. Dr. Matthew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, shared these recommendations during a joint meeting attended by representatives from the state's Agriculture and Environment ministries, the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), and local farmers in Minna.

Ahmed highlighted the recent anomaly of heavy rainfall during the typically drier months, a clear sign of evolving weather patterns. He encouraged farmers to explore crop varieties that can withstand prolonged dry spells, with certain maize types capable of enduring up to 40 days of drought and rebounding once rain returns. The Permanent Secretary also suggested farmers divide their land into plots and sow them at varying intervals to mitigate losses from drought, heavy rain, and pests.

Additionally, he recommended utilizing weather forecasting platforms to guide their farming schedules. Hashimu Garba, the Director of Climate Change at the Niger State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that climate change is impacting every sector, with agriculture being especially susceptible to unpredictable weather.

He stressed the necessity for farmers to abandon dependence on traditional weather cycles and adopt climate adaptation strategies. Garba recommended the use of early-maturing and resilient crop varieties, and called for ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and the VCDP in the state. Hajiya Hadizat Isah, the State Programme Coordinator for VCDP, outlined initiatives including sustainable land management, enhanced water management, climate-resilient planting, agroforestry, erosion control, and the production of biochar, biogas, and animal feed from agricultural waste.

Stakeholders advocated for improved climate information services and wider adoption of climate-resilient farming methods to safeguard farmers and maintain agricultural productivity in the state.