Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to address the escalating impact of climate change on agriculture across Africa. Speaking at the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on April 14, 2025, Zulum emphasized that Africa stands at a crossroads between vulnerability and resilience.

He highlighted that nearly 65% of farmland in sub-Saharan Africa is rain-fed, but changing climate patterns have led to shrinking seasons, intensified droughts, and more severe floods. Citing the World Bank’s 2023 Climate Smart Agriculture Report, Zulum noted a 20–30% shift in rainfall patterns in the Sahel over the past decade. He warned that if current trends continue, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) projects a 50% reduction in crop yields by 2030, posing a direct threat to food security, public health, and the livelihoods of millions.

Despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, Africa suffers disproportionately from climate change effects. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports a 30% rise in extreme weather events in the region since the 1990s. Zulum pointed to Lake Chad, which has lost over 90% of its volume since the 1960s, as a stark example of environmental degradation.

He advocated for a shift from rain-dependent farming to climate-smart agriculture by investing in efficient, inclusive irrigation systems. Emphasizing that innovation should not be a privilege of the few, Zulum called for empowering smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, who are the backbone of rural agriculture.

Borno State has initiated steps toward agricultural renewal through sustainable irrigation. Zulum stressed that efforts must transcend individual states or countries, advocating for a shared African strategy on irrigation and water governance that includes bold policy reforms, investment, and community inclusion.

He urged development partners to align with Africa’s home-grown solutions, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships to build systems resilient to climate shocks and restore dignity to affected populations. The conference in Abuja continues until April 17, featuring technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.

Source: EnviroNews