The devastating effects of Drought deeply plagues Nigeria, causing a significant Disruption to farming and food availability. The increasing frequency and strength of droughts due to Climate Change makes it necessary to fully comprehend how they impact Nigerian Agriculture and food security. Changes in rainfall patterns caused by climate change contribute to extended periods of dry weather, exacerbating the situation. The deterioration of soil moisture and water resources in Nigeria is intensified by human actions such as deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable water management. This has a significant negative effect on crop yields, putting the country’s food production at risk.
In times of harsh drought, maize and millet harvests drop by 25-30 percent in the northern region. Livestock, vital to the rural economy, are also affected. Lack of grazing land causes malnourishment and heightened death rates among animals. The drought of 2019 in the northern states caused a 15 percent decrease in the number of cattle, affecting meat and dairy output. As a result, those who rely on Livestock for their livelihoods face financial hardship, leading to increased levels of Poverty and hunger. Desertification has impacted around 35 percent of Nigeria’s land, mainly caused by dry conditions and unsustainable farming methods.
Livelihoods of the rural communities are highly affected.
Moreover, the fertility of land is diminished by soil Erosion and nutrient depletion, resulting in decreased crop yields and heightened food insecurity. Diminishing crop production causes a spike in food prices, rendering essential staples out of reach for numerous households. In Nigeria during the 2016 drought, Food Prices skyrocketed by 20-30 percent, significantly impacting low-income families. In 2020, the World Bank noted a significant rise in food prices by 22 percent, further complicating the problem of food accessibility for disadvantaged groups. This spike in prices also hinders the diversity of diets and contributes to malnutrition.
Families within regions experiencing widespread drought frequently depend on basic staples due to a lack of diverse food options. The impact of Malnutrition has been severe in these areas, with a notable increase in stunted growth among children under five years old. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) data from 2020 indicates that 37 percent of young children are affected. In areas like Borno and Yobe, frequent occurrences of the crisis have created ongoing challenges with food insecurity, leaving a significant portion of households experiencing shortages. The crisis highly impacts rural livelihoods, causing substantial socioeconomic consequences.
Robust strategies are needed to address the challenges.
Considering the fact that agriculture is the main source of employment for 70 percent in Nigeria, the impact on the Economy is more substantial at a national level. Crop failures and livestock losses due to the crisis result in a tremendous decrease in income for farmers, with reports of up to 40-50 percent income reduction in affected areas. This financial strain forces many farmers into poverty, giving rise to migration as rural populations move to urban areas in search of other means of making a living. At this stage, robust strategies are needed to address the challenges posed by drought.
Initiatives like rainwater harvesting and modern Irrigation methods are proven to enhance water efficiency. Recent initiatives in northern Nigeria have shown that drip irrigation can lower water consumption by 30 percent and raise crop yields by 20 percent. By scaling up these strategies, agricultural resilience can greatly improve. Additionally, the cultivation of drought-resistant crop varieties like millet, sorghum, and maize advocated by research institutes presents a long-term, sustainable remedy. The adoption of these varieties by farmers has led to a significant increase in yields, with reports of up to a 30 percent improvement during dry seasons. This has not only enhanced Food Security but also positively impacted the livelihoods of farmers.
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Effective government policies are essential in combating drought issues in Nigeria. Implementing programs like the National Drought Plan which underscores the importance of sustainable land practices and community-centred adaptation plans; and the Agricultural Transformation Agenda which focus on enhancing agricultural resilience by embracing Technology and upgrading Infrastructure are key efforts. It is crucial for these policies to be properly executed and backed by sufficient financial resources. A multifaceted approach is vital in building resilience, securing food sources, and improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians amidst ongoing climate challenges.