The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Abubakar Kyari, on Monday called for the establishment of weather advisory desks at the community level to help smallholder farmers adapt to and build resilience against climate change.
Represented by the Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr. Deola–Tayo Lordbanjou, the minister explained that this initiative would support a sustainable environment for agricultural investment, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and more.
Speaking at the Agricultural Insurance and Climate Advisory Round Table Meeting in Abuja, Kyari emphasised that making timely weather advisory services accessible at the community level would reduce climate change’s impact on agriculture and boost production.
Kyari stated, “The importance of insurance cover for farmers cannot be overemphasised as this can help to protect investments, increase productivity as well as livelihoods of farmers which will in turn aid the country achieve its food security objectives.
“There is also the growing frequency and severity of flood, drought, and other environmental disasters arising from climate change. Farmers are particularly vulnerable to these disasters, and it sets them back each time they occur by wiping off their investments.
“The Ministry is resolved to develop the agricultural sector towards the attainment of the objectives of SDGs especially those of zero hunger and to improve sustainable agricultural practices.
“Agricultural investments must be protected and market-oriented for us to be able to move away from the subsistence farming being practised by our smallholder farmers.”
Kyari added that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) would enhance social stability by improving social services and fostering a more market-led economy, which strengthens Nigeria’s position as a responsible regional and trade partner.
Affirming USAID’s support, Winrock International expressed that the insurance scheme and Weather Advisory Services hold great potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
In a statement by Acting Director FMAFS, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Director of Winrock International, Jean–Pierre Rousse, assured that the USAID’s Feed the Future Program would continue to “support the agriculture sector in Nigeria.”
