Research shows climate change is hitting Nigeria’s staple crops hard

NIGERIA – A new study of 480 smallholder farmers across Nigeria shows that climate change is increasingly affecting the country’s staple crops, with droughts and floods causing serious losses.

Researchers say maize and cassava face the greatest risk during dry periods, while rice suffers heavy damage from flooding.

Nigeria’s agriculture sector accounts for about 40% of gross domestic product and supports 60% of the population. Most farms rely on rain, which leaves farmers exposed to erratic weather, short growing seasons, and rising pest infestations.

“Drought is the biggest climate-related threat to food crops,” the researchers said. They noted that millet and yam can tolerate some flooding but remain vulnerable to dry spells, while sorghum handles short droughts but suffers when dry periods last longer. Soybean faces moderate damage from occasional waterlogging and heat.

Farmers face limits in coping

The study highlights gaps in farmers’ access to climate information. While more than 80% had contact with government extension officers, only 42.3% received guidance on climate change.

Most farmers were men, and many had additional income sources to cope with extreme weather. Cooperative membership remained high, showing that community support remains crucial.

“Limited access to climate information reduces farmers’ ability to make informed decisions,” the researchers said. They also warned that without adaptation, food scarcity could increase, pushing prices higher and straining households.

Government highlights climate-smart agriculture

In response, Nigeria’s federal government is promoting climate-smart agriculture after pilot projects produced positive results.

At a workshop in Abuja, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi said the Climate Change Act of 2021 provides a framework for low-emission farming and climate resilience.

“Although their lifespan in the atmosphere is relatively short, their warming impact is significantly higher than that of carbon dioxide, with serious consequences for air quality, human health, and agricultural sustainability,” Ogunbiyi said.

He added that reducing short-lived climate pollutants offers multiple benefits. “For Nigeria, where agriculture remains central to livelihoods, employment, and food security, addressing short-lived climate pollutants presents a unique triple-win opportunity: to slow near-term climate warming, to improve air quality and public health, and to strengthen agricultural productivity and resilience,” he said.

Researchers and officials say urgent action is needed to protect staple crops, strengthen rural livelihoods, and ensure food security as Nigeria faces increasing climate challenges.

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