To improve the country’s food and Nutrition security, the Federal Government of Nigeria has encouraged the widespread adoption of climate-smart Agriculture (CSA) and enhanced Soil Health practices among farmers. This was revealed by Senator Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security at the 48th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN), with the theme “Soil Health and Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilient Food Security System”. He emphasized that the country cannot risk falling behind in implementing sustainable farming techniques.
He noted that a resilient food security system requires soil health and climate-smart agriculture, adding that soil degradation and Climate Change have a major influence on human health, water quality, and food security. According to Sen. Abdullahi, dealing with these problems calls for novel ideas, technological advancements, skills, and methods. He cited a number of essential climate-smart techniques, including integrated pest and nutrient management, agroforestry, conservation tillage, cover crops, and reforestation. One of the main initiatives for sustainable agriculture is the promotion of the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS).
Soil testing labs will be established in all LGA.
Under the management of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the NFSHCS aims to address soil fertility management and raise agricultural production. It promotes site- and crop-specific soil health management techniques with an emphasis on agroecology and regenerative agriculture principles. Also, the initiative involves establishing soil testing labs in all local government areas (LGA) across the nation to help farmers test their soil, employ young people from rural areas, and enhance the fertility and health of their land.
According to Abdullahi, among the benefits of the NFSHCS would be contributing to climate-smart agriculture practices, enhancing soil health, improving agricultural resilience and productivity, improved food security and nutrition, lower Greenhouse gas Emissions and carbon absorption, and better livelihoods and income for small-scale farmers. For these reasons, he called for strong cooperation and coordination to support the initiative’s success, pointing out that when we work together, we can build a robust food security system that will be advantageous to everybody.
Farmers are understanding the value of sustainable practice.
Sustainable agriculture in Nigeria aims to strike a balance between socioeconomic advantages, environmental health, and agricultural output. Nigerian farmers and communities are starting to understand the value of these practices as a means of protecting the nation’s natural resources and ensuring long-term food security. These methods are supported by government programs like the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) and the Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP), which encourage Private Sector involvement in sustainable agriculture while also fostering research and offering financial incentives.
Another notable initiative is the UK government funded Propcom+ program, which focuses on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land-use management in Nigeria. Additionally, the Federal Government has approved the open production and commercial distribution of TELA Maize, a genetically modified kind of maize that resists insects and encourages Environmental Sustainability by using less pesticide. In order to promote sustainable practices, the Nigerian government has implemented Climate-Smart Agriculture initiatives, with assistance from international organizations. The African Development Bank (AfDB) also supports a Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development (SARD) project in Nigeria with focus on promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.
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At the state level, efforts are undertaken to implement initiatives like the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) and the Oyo State Agricultural Initiative (OYSAI) to advance sustainable agriculture and enhance food security, as well as to improve rural livelihoods. While these programs are active, it is imperative to further increase awareness about the adoption of Sustainable Agricultural techniques. By doing this, Nigeria will be able to fully transition to sustainable practices, increase food security, and promote ecologically friendly farming practices.