The Nigerian government is optimistic about improving food security through the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMet, essential for agricultural planning. Minister Abdullahi highlighted the forecast’s significance amidst the challenges faced by farmers due to unpredictable weather patterns. Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and NiMet aim to integrate climate intelligence into farming practices, enhancing resilience and productivity.
The Nigerian government believes that food security will significantly benefit from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) forthcoming Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for 2025. Farmers are optimistic about achieving record crop yields next year. Officially announced in Abuja, this forecast provides critical weather trends essential for planning and decision-making in agriculture.
Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stressed the SCP’s importance to Nigeria’s agriculture, a crucial sector comprising over 70% of the workforce and contributing 17.22% to the national GDP in early 2024. Since many farmers depend on rain-fed cultivation, they face challenges from unpredictable weather patterns.
Abdullahi emphasized that climate intelligence and early warning systems are vital for enhancing resilience, adapting strategies, and ensuring economic stability within the agricultural sector. Reliable climatic forecasts are pivotal for strategic planning, decision-making, and reducing risks in agriculture, especially given the impact of erratic weather.
He pointed out that adverse weather events like droughts and floods have led to diminished agricultural productivity. Abdullahi acknowledged the difficulties farmers face in preparing for climate-related challenges. He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing early warning systems and climate-smart agricultural practices to bolster food security.
The minister praised the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and NiMet to incorporate climate intelligence into farming practices effectively. Furthermore, he discussed a recent Memorandum of Understanding between NiMet and the Ministry, which facilitates real-time SCP data, providing farmers with essential early warning information.
Abdullahi highlighted the current administration’s prioritization of SCP initiatives, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the establishment of a Special President Envoy on Climate Action to lead national climate negotiations. This commitment reflects the government’s dedication to addressing climate-related issues in agriculture.
The article discusses the significance of Nigeria’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), which is crucial for the agricultural sector that employs the majority of the workforce and contributes notably to the economy. This year’s forecast aims to improve food security amid challenges posed by erratic weather, demonstrating a strategic response to climate change impacts that could threaten crop yields and farmer livelihoods.
In summary, the timely and strategic Seasonal Climate Prediction released by NiMet is expected to enhance Nigeria’s food security significantly. The agricultural sector’s resilience will be strengthened through critical weather intelligence and collaborative initiatives, demonstrating the Nigerian government’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate variability. Continued emphasis on climate-smart agriculture and early warning systems is crucial for sustainable development in this vital sector.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
