The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has attributed Nigeria’s projected food insecurity challenges to climate change, irregular rainfall patterns and the Super El Niño weather phenomenon.
Kyari said changing weather conditions and prolonged dry seasons had disrupted traditional planting schedules, affecting agricultural production and making it increasingly difficult for farmers to rely on rainfall.
He explained that the impact of climate change on farming activities was contributing to the country’s food supply challenges.
“Food insecurity is caused by Super El Niño and climate change. It is affecting our farms and food production,” the minister said.
Kyari outlined measures being implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to support agricultural production and improve food availability.
According to him, the government is increasing the supply of fertilisers and other farm inputs, introducing more tractors, expanding irrigation and dry-season farming, providing agricultural loans and developing storage and processing facilities.
The minister also said improved security in some farming communities was enabling farmers who had previously abandoned their farmlands to return to agricultural activities.
He specifically mentioned Marte and Guzamala Local Government Areas of Borno State, describing them as areas where security conditions had improved.
Kyari said government officials were recently able to access the communities to conduct the Cadre Harmonisé assessment, an exercise used to evaluate food and nutrition insecurity. He noted that insecurity had previously prevented access to the areas.
