Climate Change and Agriculture in Nigeria
Climate change has been a major menace in agricultural production, especially for Nigeria, which is fighting hard to produce enough food for its growing population.
The Impact of Climate Change
According to a publication by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), the primary cause of climate change is the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, resulting in an increased greenhouse effect.
The publication highlights the alarming rise in global temperatures, with a predicted temperature rise of 1.5°C to 2.5°C in Nigeria. These consequences pose serious threats to the development of all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Link Between Climate Change and Agriculture
There is a strong link between climate change and agriculture. The continued effects of climate change, coupled with global population and income growth, put Nigeria at risk of food insecurity.
According to the publication, climate change is triggered by two elementary factors: natural causes (biogeographical processes) and human activities (anthropogenic). Greenhouse effect is caused by greenhouse gases that absorb and emit radiant energy within the thermal infrared array.
The publication states that conventional agricultural practices contribute to climate change through the anthropogenic release of greenhouse gases. In 2010, it was reported that agriculture, forestry, and land-use change contributed 25% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions. Current agricultural activities are a significant source of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) that intensify climate disruption.
The Role of Agricultural Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology has proven to be the most dependable solution to mitigate climate change. It offers various strategies, including the use of climate-smart crops, energy-efficient farming, reduced synthetic fertilizer usage, and carbon sequestration.
The publication highlights the impact of fertilizers on climate change, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrogen fertilizer accounts for one-third of the greenhouse gases produced by agriculture. Reduced fertilizer use can lead to less nitrogen pollution of ground and surface waters.
Genetically Modified (GM) Cowpea
The adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) Cowpea in Nigeria can help mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of chemical spray required. Conventional cowpea requires 6 to 8 times the spray of chemicals to control the pod borer, while GM cowpea only requires 2 to 3 times the spray. Agricultural biotechnology provides an ultimate way to combat the deleterious effects of climate change on agriculture by offering new opportunities for improving stress resistance.
Climate Smart Crops
Planting climate smart crops is crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture in Nigeria. Recent studies have shown that Nigerian Bt cotton is a climate smart crop that can grow well with minimal water requirements. This can help alleviate drought situations in the north-east and north-west regions of Nigeria.
Advances in Plant Breeding
Advances in breeding techniques have helped agriculture achieve higher yields and meet the needs of an expanding population with limited land and water resources. Improved plant breeding techniques have resulted in a 21% increase in productivity gains in worldwide production of primary crops, including maize, wheat, rice, and oilseed, since 1995, while the total land devoted to these crops has only increased by 2%.
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Planting genetically modified crops has resulted in a significant decrease in the amount of greenhouse gases produced. This is because genetically modified crops require less maintenance compared to conventional crops.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land, and soil | Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on Land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
- Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land, and soil
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area
The article discusses the need for sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4) to address the risk of food insecurity caused by climate change. It also highlights the importance of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (Target 13.2) to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture. Additionally, it mentions the need to combat desertification, restore degraded land, and soil (Target 15.3) to improve agricultural productivity.
The article implies the use of Indicator 2.4.1 by mentioning the adoption of agricultural biotechnology and climate smart crops to mitigate climate change and improve agricultural practices. It also implies Indicator 13.2.1 by discussing the role of genetically modified crops in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it implies Indicator 15.3.1 by highlighting the potential of genetically modified crops to grow well with minimal water requirement, which can help combat drought and improve land productivity.
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Source: tribuneonlineng.com
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