Nigeria is consistently ranked among the world’s ten most climate-vulnerable countries, yet the full implications of this reality on agriculture and food systems remain widely underestimated.
This was disclosed by the National Coordinator of the Young Farmers in Nigeria (YoFiN), Abdulbasit Olatunji noted that he has observed firsth and how rapidly climate change is reshaping the country’s agricultural landscape, placing young farmers who should be central to food production under increasing pressure.
Across Nigeria, climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is an ongoing crisis affecting productivity, livelihoods, and national food security.
According to him "In several parts of the country, including areas such as Kwara State, farmers are confronting increasingly erratic weather patterns. The once predictable rainy season has become unreliable, forcing farmers to gamble with planting seasons. In some cases, rainfall arrives too early or too late, while in others it comes in destructive bursts that trigger flooding and erosion instead of supporting crop growth.
Extended dry spells are becoming more frequent, causing crops to wither before maturity. At the same time, long-fertile soils are becoming degraded, compacted, and less productive, leaving young farmers to cultivate land that yields far less despite greater effort and investment".
Olatunju disclosed that these challenges are not isolated In northern Nigeria, advancing desertification continues to push farmland southward, reducing available arable land. In the south, farmers cultivating cocoa, rubber, and other cash crops are facing rising temperatures, increasing pest infestations, and declining crop resilience. Meanwhile, the Lake Chad basin continues to experience severe water shortages, deepening agricultural and livelihood pressures in already vulnerable communities.
He said the consequences of these climate disruptions extend far beyond the farm. As agricultural productivity declines, Nigeria’s food self-sufficiency weakens, increasing dependence on food imports and exposing the country to global market volatility and foreign exchange pressures.
Ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of this crisis. With many households already spending between 60 and 80 percent of their income on food, rising prices quickly translate into food insecurity and hunger. The crisis is not necessarily due to a lack of food production potential, but rather the growing mismatch between traditional farming practices and today’s climate realities.
While climate change cannot be reversed in the short term, its impact on agriculture can be significantly reduced through deliberate adaptation strategies. He said.
According to him "I First, there is an urgent need to scale climate-smart agriculture training for young farmers. This includes promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, improved irrigation and water harvesting systems, soil conservation techniques, and diversified farming practices. The Young Farmers in Nigeria (YoFiN) is already working to advance these efforts, but expanded funding and stronger institutional support are essential to achieve national impact.
Second, farmers require timely and accessible climate information. Mobile-based platforms that provide reliable weather forecasts, rainfall predictions, and agricultural advisories can significantly improve decision-making and reduce risk.
Third, existing agricultural and climate frameworks such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation initiatives must be properly funded and effectively implemented. While these policies exist, their impact remains limited without strong execution at the grassroots level.
Finally, there is a need to establish and support youth-led climate adaptation networks. Peer-to-peer learning among young farmers has proven to be one of the most effective ways of spreading innovation and improving adoption of new practices, as trust and shared experience drive faster uptake than top-down extension models alone.
Nigeria’s climate vulnerability should not be viewed as an unavoidable disaster, but as an urgent call for coordinated action. Government institutions, development partners, and the private sector must prioritize agricultural adaptation with the seriousness and speed the situation demands.
Young farmers are not passive victims of climate change. We are innovators, problem-solvers, and key stakeholders in securing Nigeria’s food future. With the right training, information, and support systems, we can lead the transformation toward a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.
The time for gradual response has passed. Nigeria must act decisively and act now to safeguard its food future". Said he.
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