LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-During a recent workshop in Abuja focused on climate resilience in agriculture, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi revealed that Nigeria’s agricultural sector contributes a substantial 24% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The workshop aimed to address the challenges posed by Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in the agricultural sector, emphasising the need for sustainable practices to mitigate climate change effects.
Represented by the Director of Agricultural Lands and Climate Change Mr. Osadiya Olanipekun, at the ministry, Fashedemi underscored that agriculture employs over 70% of the population, predominantly smallholder farmers.
He stressed the critical need for climate resilience in the sector, given its pivotal role in the nation’s economy and food security.
“While the Ministry of Agriculture is tasked with developing the agricultural sector to drive income growth and accelerate food and nutrition security, climate change poses additional challenges.
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“Addressing climate change is paramount to transforming the sector into a climate-smart system that ensures both food security and environmental sustainability,” stated Fashedemi.
Traditionally, open burning has been utilized as a cost-effective method for agricultural management. However, Nigeria is among the countries committed to reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) to mitigate the effects of climate change. This commitment aligns with the nation’s efforts to foster low-carbon development and emissions reduction goals.
Mrs. Joy Aderele, the Country Director of Self Help Africa, Nigeria, emphasized the dangers posed by SLCPs, highlighting their negative impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
The 18-month pilot project aims to work with 500 farmer participants and 45 agricultural extension officers across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to reduce open burning.
Gboko Local Government Area in Benue State has been selected as a pilot site to demonstrate successful approaches to reducing open field burning. The Project Manager at Self Help Africa, Mr. Julius Awu, outlined the objectives of the SLCPs project, emphasizing its contribution to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals and emissions reduction targets.