Abuja , Jan. 10, 2019 (NAN) Ismail Olawale, an agriculture expert, on Thursday, warned governments at all levels in Nigeria over the adverse effects of climate change on the nation’s agriculture sector.
Olawale, a researcher at National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Lagos, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
The expert opined that it was necessary to examine the challenges of climate change effect on agriculture critically.
« Scientists see climate change as a threat to agriculture and food security, because there have been changes in the topography of every country in the world, including Nigeria.
« There has been increased rise of the sea level especially for states or countries that are having coastal line.
« One of the most predictable problems of climate change effects to agriculture and food security in Nigeria is flooding.
« It is believed that the change in climate might literarily lead to more rains and flooding in coastal areas, which in turn leads to loss and destruction of farm produce, » he said.
Olawale noted that climate change predictions across the world are shrouded in controversies and urged the federal government to embark on research, to forestall any adverse effect.
« The truth of the matter about climate change effect on agriculture is that just like biotechnology, it is full of controversies.
« There are a lot of empirical researches, mostly from the advanced countries, on the effect of climate change on agriculture.
« There is usually a 70 per cent prediction that the climate change effect will be more on developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa.
« The climate change position, however controversial they may be, in every 100 literature you read, 99 imply that developing countries are the ones to suffer most.
« To mitigate the challenges of climate change effect on food security of the nation, the country must begin to see agriculture as a business, » he said.
Olawale recommended that developing countries like Nigeria should subsidise farming amenities for local farmers like developed climes do.
The researcher urged government to also develop infrastructure and technology, that could help farmers produce more through less manpower labour.
« To mitigate the effect of climate change on the nation’s agriculture sector, the government should invest into the research for sustainable solutions to climate change issues.
« The Nigerian variable should be put into consideration when proffering solutions for climate change issues in the country.
« Tailor-made researches, that fits the Nigerian climate change challenges should be invested into by the government, so as to solve these challenges, » he said.
