Future-Proofing Nigerian Agriculture: Climate-Smart Solutions for Food Security

Curated by the Research Partnership Group (RPG) of Clean Technology Hub

Written by Sani Saidu Muhammad

1. Introduction

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to global food security, with developing nations like Nigeria facing the harshest consequences. Agriculture, which employs over 70% of Nigeria’s workforce and contributes about 25% to the nation’s GDP (World Bank, 2023), is increasingly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, devastating floods, and shifting growing seasons. These disruptions threaten not only food production but also the livelihoods of millions who depend on farming for survival.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), climate-related shocks have already led to a 30% decline in crop yields across sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria being a key affected country. Without urgent intervention, food shortages, rising prices, and economic instability will become even more pronounced. To counter these threats, mainstreaming climate action in agriculture is not just an option — it is a necessity. By integrating sustainable, climate-smart solutions, Nigeria can enhance its adaptive capacity, boost agricultural productivity, and build a food system that remains resilient in the face of climate uncertainty.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) integrates three main objectives: increasing productivity, enhancing resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers. This holistic approach promotes sustainable intensification while minimizing environmental impact and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

This article explores various strategies and theoretical frameworks that can effectively mainstream climate action into Nigerian agriculture, leveraging technological innovations and comprehensive research.

2. Technological Strategies for Climate-Smart Agriculture

The use of digital technology in agriculture is an important CSA strategy. Two key areas of application include precision agriculture and digital advisory services.

Precision Agriculture and Remote Sensing: Precision agriculture employs technologies such as satellite imagery, drones, and IoT sensors to optimize resource use and enhance crop management practices. In Nigeria, these technologies enable precise monitoring of soil conditions, water use efficiency, and pest outbreaks, thereby improving yield stability and reducing environmental impacts based on the World Economic Forum. Remote sensing technologies provide real-time data on climate variables, supporting informed decision-making and adaptive responses to climate variability according to the 202o annual report of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Digital Advisory Services and Mobile Applications: Digital advisory services and mobile applications play a pivotal role in disseminating climate-smart practices to farmers across Nigeria. Platforms like AgroConnect and WeFarm provide personalized agronomic advice, weather forecasts, market prices, and pest management strategies directly to farmers’ smartphones, according to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) 2021 Rural Development Report.

These tools enhance farmers’ capacity to adopt adaptive practices and mitigate climate risks, thereby strengthening agricultural resilience.

3. Cases

Not all CSA solutions are focused on digital technology. There are a wide range of agricultural practices and solutions that have a key role to play in creating resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural system.

3.1 Agroecology and Climate-Resilient Farming Practices

Agroecology represents a paradigm shift towards sustainable agriculture by integrating ecological principles into farming systems. In Nigeria, where climate variability poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity, agroecological practices have emerged as viable solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability.

Agroforestry: One notable initiative in Nigeria is the promotion of agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with crops and livestock. Agroforestry enhances biodiversity, improves soil fertility, and provides multiple benefits such as shade, fodder, and timber, thereby diversifying farmers’ income sources. By planting trees alongside crops, farmers create microclimates that mitigate temperature extremes and reduce soil erosion, contributing to climate adaptation efforts.

Conservation Agriculture: Conservation agriculture emphasizes minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation to enhance soil health and water retention. In northern Nigeria, where soil degradation and water scarcity are prevalent, adopting conservation agriculture techniques has improved soil structure and reduced water runoff. These practices not only conserve moisture but also enhance carbon sequestration in soils, contributing to climate change mitigation goals.

Organic Farming Practices: Organic farming avoids synthetic inputs and focuses on natural methods to improve soil fertility and pest management. In Nigeria, organic farming initiatives have gained traction among smallholder farmers seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional agriculture. By relying on composting, crop rotations, and biological pest control, organic farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance ecosystem services, such as pollination and nutrient cycling, crucial for long-term agricultural sustainability.

3.2 Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties and Biotechnology

Biotechnology offers promising solutions for developing climate-resilient crop varieties that withstand environmental stresses such as drought, heat, and pests. In northern Nigeria, where rain-fed agriculture is vulnerable to climate variability, the adoption of genetically modified (GM) maize and sorghum varieties has shown significant resilience improvements.

Heat-Tolerant Maize and Sorghum: Initiatives led by organizations like the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) have introduced genetically modified maize and sorghum varieties adapted to high temperatures and water stress conditions. These varieties exhibit improved photosynthetic efficiency and water use efficiency, allowing them to maintain higher yields even during prolonged drought periods. Farmers adopting these varieties experience reduced crop losses and increased income stability, contributing to food security in vulnerable regions.

Biotechnological Innovations: Beyond traditional breeding methods, biotechnological innovations such as marker-assisted selection and genetic engineering enable scientists to accelerate the development of climate-resilient traits in crops. For instance, researchers are developing crops with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency and tolerance to saline soils, addressing specific challenges faced by Nigerian farmers. These innovations not only improve crop productivity but also reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture by requiring fewer inputs and minimizing agricultural waste.

4. Conclusion

Agroecological practices and biotechnological innovations represent pivotal strategies for mainstreaming climate action into Nigerian agriculture. By promoting sustainable farming systems like agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and organic farming, Nigeria can enhance resilience to climate change while promoting biodiversity and soil health. Simultaneously, advancements in biotechnology offer tailored solutions for developing climate-resilient crop varieties that ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development in the face of ongoing climate challenges.

The cases discussed underscore the importance of integrating ecological principles and technological advancements in agriculture to achieve climate adaptation and mitigation goals effectively. By investing in research, extension services, and policy support, Nigeria can harness the potential of these approaches to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate variability and contributing to global food security.

5. Recommendations

The following are some recommendations for mainstreaming climate action into agriculture and food security:

1. Adopt and Scale Precision Agriculture Technologies: Precision agriculture employs advanced technologies such as satellite imagery, drones, and IoT sensors to optimize resource use and enhance crop management. By enabling precise monitoring of soil conditions, water use, and pest outbreaks, these technologies can significantly improve yield stability and reduce environmental impacts.
2. Promote Digital Advisory Services and Mobile Applications: Digital advisory services and mobile applications provide real-time agronomic advice, weather forecasts, market prices, and pest management strategies directly to farmers. Platforms like AgroConnect and WeFarm enhance farmers’ capacity to adopt adaptive practices and mitigate climate risks.
3. Implement Agroforestry Systems: Agroforestry integrates trees with crops and livestock, enhancing biodiversity, improving soil fertility, and providing multiple benefits such as shade, fodder, and timber. This practice helps create microclimates that mitigate temperature extremes and reduce soil erosion.
4. Adopt Conservation Agriculture Practices: Conservation agriculture, which emphasizes minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation, enhances soil health and water retention. These practices are particularly beneficial in regions facing soil degradation and water scarcity.
5. Develop and Distribute Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties: Biotechnology and traditional breeding methods can be used to develop crop varieties that withstand environmental stresses such as drought, heat, and pests. For example, genetically modified maize and sorghum have shown significant resilience improvements in northern Nigeria.
6. Enhance Extension Services and Farmer Training Programs: Effective extension services and farmer training programs are essential for disseminating knowledge about climate-smart agricultural practices. Training programs can help farmers understand and implement new technologies and sustainable practices.
7. Invest in Research and Development for Climate-Smart Agriculture: Continuous research and development are crucial for innovating and improving climate-smart agricultural practices. Focus areas should include developing new crop varieties, improving soil management techniques, and advancing precision agriculture technologies.

Sani Saidu Muhammad is a distinguished program and research professional with over five years of impactful experience in governance, health, and climate resilience initiatives across Nigeria. He has led multi-sectoral projects that enhanced civic participation by 30% and piloted innovative climate adaptation strategies benefiting more than 5,000 individuals. Sani currently serves as a Programmatic Human Resource Officer at the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), where he leads research, advocacy, and policy engagements on climate governance, civic participation, and digital rights. In addition, Sani plays a key role at Macrissar Foundation, where he has contributed to the development of drought-resistant agricultural practices and water conservation strategies in underserved communities, reinforcing his commitment to sustainability and equity. Sani holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (ACIPM). His expertise spans data analysis, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and evidence-based decision-making. His research contributions focus on governance, gender-based violence, and climate adaptation, consistently delivering actionable insights that inform policy and practice.