In response to the growing threats posed by climate change, key stakeholders in Niger State are calling for urgent and united efforts to mitigate its impacts on the environment, agricultural livelihoods, and the wider economy.
This call to action came during a strategic meeting held in Minna, jointly organized by the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry for Environment and other value chain actors.
The session focused on strengthening climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
Stakeholders underscored the urgency of their appeal by referencing a recent flooding disaster in Mokwa, which devastated two communities—claiming lives, destroying homes, and erasing vital means of livelihood.
The event, they noted, is a stark reminder of the pressing need for sustainable responses to environmental threats.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Climate Change in the Ministry for Environment, Isah Mohammed, drew attention to the disproportionate burden Africa bears despite its minimal contribution to global emissions.
“Developed countries are responsible for 96 per cent of the causes of climate change, while Africa contributes only 4 per cent.
“Climate change is now a reality we must live with. The Niger State Government is already taking steps toward mitigation and adaptation to safeguard sustainable development,” he said.
Also addressing the forum, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Mathew Ahmed—represented by Dr Celestina Bature—urged farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural techniques.
These include crop diversification, efficient water use, and better access to markets.
“Planting a variety of crops can help farmers reduce risks and losses caused by unpredictable weather patterns,” she advised.
On his part, Alhaji Nasiru Aliyu Bawa-Allah, the Coordinator to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago on VCDP, highlighted additional climate-related challenges like desertification, deforestation, and land degradation, which he said are triggering southward migrations by herders and fuelling farmer-herder conflicts.
He urged farmers to scale up their efforts and treat agriculture as a business to increase productivity and resilience.
VCDP beneficiaries from local government areas such as Kontagora, Bida, and Shiroro also shared their experiences, praising the programme for improving their financial independence and agricultural output.
However, they appealed for consistent weather forecast updates to guide farming decisions and reiterated the need for access to quality seeds.
Hajiya Hadizat Isah, the State Coordinator of VCDP, said the meeting aimed to enhance cooperation with environmental authorities on climate issues.
She highlighted the importance of continuity after the programme’s exit, calling for post-project support like access to climate-resilient crops, alternative energy, and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
“We must begin to prioritise long-term sustainability and equip our farmers with the tools they need to adapt,” she concluded.
