Experts speaking at the opening of a 4-day inaugural conference on 'Accelerating Agricultural Adaptation in Africa' recommends adaptation, mitigation amongst others as measures to check Climate Change effects on agriculture.

In his remarks, Dr Augustine Njamnshi, Chairman of Political and Technical Committee, of Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, PACJA - organisers of the Conference -   urged all stakeholders to put adaptation at the centre of all discussions.

He stressed that it’s imperative to think of adaptation but also look beyond the simple concept of adaptation.

“Adaptation in the agriculture sector is an urgent priority for our region. It is a matter of survival, protecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers, ensuring food security for our growing population, and preserving our rich natural resources for generations to come. We must act with a sense of urgency, with a recognition that the time for action is now.

“Adaptation remains key for the whole continent. Our people are really suffering from the impact of climate change.


“Climate action can be in two phases: either by mitigation reducing the green house gas emissions or by adaptation.


“Coping with the situation that has been caused by climate change is very important,” Njamnshi proffered


He added that unfortunately climate finance has been mitigation centric and this leaves Africa in a very jeopardised situation.


Njamnshi called for strong proactive policies and actions on agriculture to adapt to climate change.


The chairman further urged Nigeria as a country to take the issue of adaptation seriously, not only in Africa but also at the international level saying that in Africa adaptation is key.

Also speaking at the conference,  Prof. Ibrahim Choji, Board Chairman,  Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevnet) noted that the conference was looking at the effects of climate change which is increasing daily on agriculture.

“Agriculture we all know is the mainstay of Africans where over 70 per cent depend on.


“It is a source of livelihood, it is a source of products for industries on which many depend on.


“So with the increasing threat of climate change to the sector we decided as civil society organisations to come together with stakeholders within Africa to rescue this sector,” Choji submitted.

In his remarks on  'Accelerating Agricultural Adaptation in Africa", Prof. Anthony Nyong, the Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), submitted that, to address the social economic and sustainable agenda in agriculture, AfDB set four pillars namely climate smart digital technologies for agriculture and food security; Africa infrastructure resilience accelerator; empowering youth for entrepreneurship and job creation in climate adaptation and resilience; and innovative finance initiatives.

He reiterated that “The African Development Bank recognises that achieving sustainability in our countries hinges upon the development of crucial sectors, with agriculture emerging as one of the most significant avenues for success.”

Dailyledger.com.ng reports that the AfDB estimates that adaptation and resilience costs for the continent will reach up to $30 billion per annum by 2030.

Mrs. Drita Dade, the Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist who represented the World Bank country office in Nigeria, commended organisers of the conference and asserted that “inaction in addressing climate challenges not only jeopardises food security but also heightens susceptibility to extreme weather events, places rural communities’ livelihoods at risk, and intensifies the strain on already stressed natural resources”.

In his remarks,  Dr. Sadiq Wanka, the Special Advisor to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thanked the organisers and reminded them that it takes place at the moment Africa’s agriculture is still depending on rain and while farming communities are plunging into further uncertainty as a result of climate-inspired erratic rainfall and shifting seasons. Pastoralist communities, he added, have lost much of their livestock, including camels, cattle, goats and sheep to the raging weather events.

He added that: “The inaugural conference on accelerating agriculture adaptation is key to galvanising the critical mass of actors towards accelerated agricultural adaptation, including stimulating smallholder farmers’ proactive engagement in international climate dialogue and intervention processes.”

Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), reiterated the importance of the conference as it is expected to be the space for exchange and innovation.

“The importance of this conference cannot be overstated. It stands as a crucial platform where we can unite, share knowledge, and engage in fruitful discussions on strategies and solutions that will pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices in Africa, even in the face of climate adversities. we hope to embark on a journey towards securing the future of food production and ensuring the well-being of our communities,” he said.

Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon  Sam Onuigbo described agriculture is one of the pillars of development, but which are threatened by the devastating effects of climate change,”

Dailyledger.com.ng reports that the experts noted that drought, desertification, drying up of the Lake Chad, have all contributed to forced migration leading to insecurity and insurgence, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria.

PACJA and the Government of Nigeria plus  other partners seek through the conference to galvanise a critical mass of actors towards accelerated agricultural adaptation, including stimulating smallholder farmers’ proactive engagement in international climate dialogue and intervention processes.






Additional reports from NAN