COP31: Nigeria must turn climate promises into food security

As world leaders convene at the 31st United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Nigeria must confront a critical question: how will this gathering translate promises into tangible food security for the nation's people and its agricultural sector? Over the years, climate conferences have issued pledges and declarations, yet Nigerian farmers remain plagued by drought and floods, while pastoralists battle water scarcity and diminishing grazing lands, all contributing to skyrocketing food prices and nutritional challenges for families.

The international community's declarations must bridge the chasm separating lofty speeches from the lived experiences of those whose livelihoods hinge on the land. The proposed Turquoise Nexus Initiative (TNI), under development by Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and slated for COP31, embodies this imperative: climate change, food production and water security are inextricably linked.

For Nigeria, the stakes are unavoidable. Desertification and erratic rainfall threaten agricultural output in the North, while floods decimate crops, destroy infrastructure and disrupt livelihoods downstream. Climate volatility exacerbates existing tensions between farming and pastoral communities vying for diminishing resources.

The potential ramifications of climate change reverberate throughout households, as diminished harvests drive up food prices, while dwindling livestock populations curtail the availability of vital animal products. The consequences extend beyond nutrition, affecting household incomes, food stability and national cohesion. To avert these cascading effects, Nigeria must aggressively pursue climate-resilient agriculture at COP31.

The proposed COP31 side event, "Agri-food Systems under Climate Change: Incentives for Affordable, Healthy, Sustainable Food," presents a pivotal forum for Nigeria to articulate its demands. Our delegation must champion accessible climate finance tailored to both crop and livestock producers, emphasizing irrigation infrastructure, drought-resistant seed varieties, flood protection measures and soil restoration techniques.

Prioritizing water security through international partnerships will enable small-scale irrigation, solar-powered water pumps, rainwater harvesting systems, community water storage initiatives and enhanced flood forecasting capabilities.

Equally important is the need for investment in livestock welfare, encompassing grazing reserve rehabilitation, pasture improvement, livestock water point development, veterinary service enhancement and the promotion of climate-resilient livestock management practices. Empowered with affordable technology, robust research capabilities and practical extension services, farmers and pastoralists must be equipped to adapt their enterprises to a changing climate.

Moreover, investments in food storage, processing and distribution infrastructure are indispensable to minimize post-harvest losses, ensure timely market access and maintain food quality.

Nigeria's success hinges on its ability to convert commitments into measurable outcomes. The federal and state governments must harmonize climate and agricultural policies, engage farmers and pastoralists in decision-making processes and ensure that financial allocations yield tangible results. Crop and livestock production must not be viewed as conflicting priorities but rather as complementary pillars of food security, employment generation and rural development.

As Nigeria prepares for COP31, it must come armed with concrete project proposals, cost estimates, beneficiary lists and detailed implementation roadmaps, all anchored to the proposed Turquoise Nexus Initiative and the broader FAST Partnership framework. Only through concrete actions can Nigeria turn global cooperation into tangible improvements for its agricultural sector and rural communities.