The relationship between agriculture and global warming is double-sided. On the one hand, the agricultural sector is directly responsible for 14% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. It is also responsible for another 18% from deforestation. Common channels of gas emissions include methane from livestock digestion, nitrous oxide from fertilised soils and manure management, and carbon dioxide from deforestation, soil degradation, and fossil fuel use in machinery and transport. On the other hand, regenerative agriculture provides a solution.
In Nigeria, climate change seriously threatens rain-dependent smallholder farming, as historical data shows unpredictable rainfall across the country. This erratic climate (high temperature and inconsistent rain volume) threatens to lower the yield rates of important staple crops and elicit unemployment.
This situation calls for Nigeria to get on board with new smart methods of modern agriculture.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that agricultural soils could cut 4–12% of total annual global greenhouse gas emissions if managed sustainably. Farmers can make a difference by:
Alternating crops and planting cover crops helps reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, improve soil health, and boost isolated carbon. They also assist in reducing soil disturbance through reduced tillage or no-till farming, which preserves soil carbon and reduces erosion. Integrating trees into farmland is another method. Agroforestry improves biodiversity and provides shade and windbreaks. On the animal farming side, adopting natural livestock management practices such as rotational grazing and improved feed lowers methane emissions and supports healthier pastures.
Drip systems and rainwater harvesting can maximise water use. These techniques, known as precision irrigation, help to use water efficiently and reduce runoff.
In addition, applying organic fertilisers and utilising precision nutrient management techniques reduces nitrous oxide emissions from excess fertiliser use.
Like fertilisers, synthetic pesticides are a serious contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To prevent climate change, their use should be low by replacing them with pest control techniques that combine biological and cultural controls.
Climate-smart agriculture encourages farmers to grow climate-resilient crop varieties and diversify crops and livestock. It also encourages the integration of new technology, including data, for informed decision-making. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), climate-smart agriculture also involves adapting to climate change and reducing emissions as much as possible. The government can assist farmers with technical and financial support to combat agricultural sources of climate change on a community level.
Though the agricultural sector is in a growth phase as the government attempts to solve the food crisis, progress should be made with environmental care so that efforts don’t come undone by climate change.
