South-West farmers, DAWN Commission urge shift to irrigation to combat climate change

Farmers from Nigeria’s South-West region, alongside the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, have called for a transition from rain-fed to irrigation-based agriculture to address the growing impact of climate change on food production.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday at Cocoa House, Ibadan, Oyo State, with participants from farmer associations across Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos states.

Speaking on behalf of regional farmers, Asalu Olusegun highlighted the urgent need for irrigation, noting unusual rainfall patterns and the risks of relying solely on rain-fed farming. “Climate change has come to stay. Our government must act. Irrigation is necessary, and we have earth dams and River Basin Authorities that can be developed to support year-round food production,” he said.

Olusegun also addressed security concerns, emphasising collaboration between farmers and herders. He said engagement with the DAWN Commission and the Federal Ministry of Livestock had helped maintain relative peace in the region.

The farmers’ representative urged unity among associations to boost output and strengthen food security. He proposed a general assembly of farmers this month to finalise plans ahead of the new farming season in February.

In his remarks, DAWN Commission Director General, Seye Oyeleye, pledged the agency’s support in increasing agricultural productivity. “To fully harness federal support, we need to speak with one voice. By working together and streamlining our associations, we can achieve self-sufficiency and greater food production,” he said.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to collaborative planning and action to ensure food security for the South-West region.