Experts warn climate change could cut Nigeria’s farm output by 25%

By Our Reporter

Experts have warned that climate change poses a growing threat to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with projections indicating that farm output could decline by as much as 25 per cent if current trends persist.

Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and the increasing frequency of droughts and floods are already taking a toll on agricultural productivity across the country. These climate-related challenges have resulted in lower crop yields, declining soil fertility and a surge in pest and disease outbreaks, worsening food insecurity.

Forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency suggest that Nigeria will continue to experience warmer temperatures and more extreme weather events in the years ahead. The agency has underscored the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural practices to help farmers adapt and sustain food production.

Studies further indicate that by 2080, agricultural production in Nigeria could decline by between 10 and 25 per cent, with far-reaching consequences for livelihoods, rural communities and national food security.

Stakeholders have therefore called for increased investment in climate-resilient farming methods, improved weather forecasting, irrigation infrastructure and greater support for smallholder farmers to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture.