Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called for the creation of agricultural insurance scheme and weather advisory desks at the community level to enhance adaptation and resilience to climate change by smallholder farmers.
Senator Kyari, represented by Director of Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr. Deola-Tayo Lordbanjou, said during the Agricultural Insurance and Climate Advisory Round Table Meeting, held in Abuja, recently that this is necessary to promote a sustainable environment for agricultural investment, among others.
He pointed out that making weather advisory services available at the right time at the community level would reduce the effect of climate change on the agricultural ecosystem and boost food production.
According to the Minister: “The importance of insurance cover for farmers cannot be overemphasized as this can help to protect investments, increase productivity as well as livelihoods of farmers which will in turn aid the country achieve its food security objectives.”
He noted that ‘’there is also the growing frequency and severity of flood, drought, and other environmental disasters arising from climate change. Farmers are particularly vulnerable to these disasters, and it sets them back each time they occur by wiping off their investments.’’
The Minister revealed that ‘’the Ministry is resolved to develop the agricultural sector towards the attainment of the objectives of SDGs especially those of zero hunger and to improve sustainable agricultural practices.’’
Kyari stressed that ‘’agricultural investments must be protected and market oriented for us to be able to move away from the subsistence farming being practised by our smallholder farmers.’’
The Minister lauded USAID for its tireless efforts in strengthening social stability through social services and promotion of a more market-led economy that has enhanced Nigeria’s capacity as a responsible regional and trade partner.
In his remarks, the Director, Winrock International, Jean-Pierre Rousseau stated that Agriculture Insurance and Weather Advisory Services have tremendous potential to transform the agricultural sector in Nigeria
He pledged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Feed the Future Programme, would continue to support the agriculture sector in Nigeria.
In attendance were various stakeholders in the Agricultural Extension Services Sub Sector such as USAID Feed the Future Programme, Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, Agriculture Development Programme (ADP), amongst others.