The Federal Government has intensified its push for climate-smart agriculture by calling on local and international investors to partner with Nigeria in transforming its food production systems. The move comes as the country grapples with the growing impact of climate change on agriculture and food security, a sector that remains central to millions of livelihoods.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the appeal in a statement released on Monday, emphasizing the need for collaboration with financial institutions and development partners. According to him, building a resilient food system will require significant investment in sustainable farming practices and innovative agricultural solutions across the country.
Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s strong agricultural potential, noting that the sector employs nearly 70 per cent of the labour force and contributes over 24 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. With its diverse agro-ecological zones, the country is well-positioned to produce key commodities such as rice, maize, cassava, cocoa, and horticultural crops for both local consumption and export markets.
However, the minister warned that climate change poses a serious threat to productivity, citing challenges such as drought, irregular rainfall, flooding, and desertification. He stressed that access to finance remains a major barrier for farmers, revealing that despite existing credit schemes, agricultural financing still accounts for less than four per cent of the sector’s contribution to GDP.
To address these challenges, the government has rolled out several initiatives, including the distribution of solar-powered irrigation pumps, the introduction of climate-resilient seeds, and the deployment of thousands of tractors under a national mechanisation programme. Kyari assured investors of a supportive policy environment, urging stronger partnerships—particularly with UK stakeholders—to unlock opportunities in irrigation, agro-processing, storage, and agricultural logistics, while building a more resilient and sustainable food system.
source: punch