The Kogi State Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto, has emphasized the urgent need to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, sustainable land management, effective policy frameworks, and good governance to ensure food security.
She made this known while delivering a lecture titled “Exploring the Nexus between Climate Change, Land Degradation, and Food Security” at the Federal University, Lokoja.
To address the negative effects of climate change and land degradation on food production, Barr. Jatto recommended proactive steps such as stakeholder collaboration, investment in research and development, and improved water resource management.
Speaking as the Guest Speaker at a special orientation event organized for the inaugural students of the university’s newly established Faculty of Agriculture, she urged them to take their studies seriously, embrace innovation, and be actively involved in finding long-term solutions to food security challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.
“As agriculture students, the nation’s food security depends on your ingenuity. You must discover new and effective methods to feed the growing population,” she stated.
After thoroughly explaining the key issues of climate change, land degradation, and food security, and highlighting how these three are closely linked and how the first two threaten the third, Barrister Jatto encouraged the students to brace themselves for the demanding journey of academic pursuit.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Olufunmilola Alabi, also urged the students to remain committed to their studies, describing hard work as the foundation for future success.
Delivering the keynote address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, expressed his appreciation to the ACReSAL Project Coordinator for accepting the university’s invitation and participating in the event.
