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Agricultural industry

Climate Change Devastates Nigerian Agriculture

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Climate change is affecting agriculture in Nigeria, where 31 million people face food insecurity, according to the World Food Program. The changing weather patterns have led to prolonged dry spells and excessive rain, causing water bodies to dry up, impacting crop yields and famers' livelihoods. Efforts to recover from one climate shock are overlapped by the next, said WFP spokesperson Chi Lael.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 80% of Nigeria's farmers are smallholder farmers, who account for 90% of the country's annual agricultural production.
  • The government's failure to develop infrastructure like dams to mitigate the effects of climate change has led to low yields for farmers.
  • In Adamawa state, water scarcity caused by higher temperatures and changing rain patterns has affected over 1,250 hectares (3,088 acres) of farmland, disrupting food supply and livelihoods.
  • The cost of pumping groundwater amid soaring gas prices has become unbearable for farmers like Nasiru Bello, who is left with a dwindling harvest.
  • At least two-thirds of the trees in Sokoto state have been lost due to deforestation, contributing to rising temperatures.
  • Agricultural production accounts for 22% of Nigeria's GDP, down from 25% in the previous quarter.
  • Household food imports rose by 136% from 2023 to 2024, government statistics show.

Statistics:

  • 31 million people face food insecurity in Nigeria, according to the World Food Program.
  • 80% of Nigeria's farmers are smallholder farmers.
  • 90% of Nigeria's annual agricultural production comes from smallholder farmers.
  • 1,250 hectares (3,088 acres) of farmland in Adamawa state have been affected by water scarcity.
  • 22% of Nigeria's GDP comes from agricultural production in the second quarter of 2024.
  • Household food imports have risen by 136% from 2023 to 2024, government statistics show.
  • Nigeria's population is expected to reach 400 million by 2050, making it the world's third most populous nation.

Sources:

  • World Food Program spokesperson Chi Lael.
  • Abdulsamad Isah, co-founder of local Extension Africa nonprofit.
  • Daniel Obiora, national president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria.
  • Abdulsamad Isah, co-founder of local Extension Africa nonprofit.
  • Yusuf Isah Sokoto, director of the College of Environmental Science at Sokoto's Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic.
  • Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency.
  • Nigeria's Ministry of Agriculture.
  • The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

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