In many parts of Nigeria today, farmers are grappling with uncertainty surrounding climatic conditions, a challenge that significantly impacts their access to water for agricultural purposes. In areas reliant on rain-fed agriculture, even a minor delay in rainfall can lead to substantial losses over weeks.
Farmers in the drier Northern region, or those dependent on already overextended boreholes, face even greater pressure. However, while the climate is changing, Nigerian farmers are not without options. Across the country, some are adapting by modifying their water use and storage practices.
This article examines practical methods, such as low-cost irrigation, mulching, and simple water collection, that farmers can apply with or without large-scale infrastructure.
Farmers face challenges due to climate change, such as rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and frequent droughts threaten their food security and livelihoods. Adopting effective water management techniques is required for sustaining agriculture and ensuring resilience in the face of these changes.
Water management is the process of developing, distributing, and managing water resources to ensure their efficient and sustainable use for various purposes, including agriculture, industry, and households.
Water management is essential for sustainable agricultural and socioeconomic development. Water management in agriculture involves explicitly controlling the supply of water to crops and livestock, as well as managing drainage to remove excess water from fields.
Water management remains at the heart of the struggle for sustainable development, growth, and poverty reduction.
Climate change in recent times has disrupted farming patterns, and one of the most pressing challenges farmers face is the availability and timing of water. Rainfall, which many rural and smallholder farmers depend on, is now unpredictable, either coming late, ending early, or falling too heavily at once, thereby affecting when and how farmers plant, irrigate, and harvest.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, speaking at the Africa Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage stated that “Across sub‑Saharan Africa, nearly 65 percent of farmland is rain-fed. But the rain no longer comes as it once did. Seasons are shrinking, droughts are intensifying, and floods are becoming more severe. Innovation must not be a privilege of the few. Our approach must empower smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, who are the backbone of rural agriculture.”
Without reliable access to water, crops fail, and food security becomes uncertain; therefore, water management is essential. Effective techniques can help farmers adapt, conserve resources, and maintain stable production even as weather patterns change.
Climate change directly affects the amount of water available, its sources, and the timing of its arrival. In Nigeria, rainy seasons are shorter or delayed, dry spells are becoming more prolonged, flash floods erode topsoil and prevent water from soaking into the ground, and rising temperatures increase evaporation from soil and crops.
These climate changes make traditional farming methods less effective. Without adaptation, even fertile farmland can become less productive. This is what makes water management techniques for Nigerian farmers a climate adaptive tool, helping farmers cope with scarcity, store water during surplus periods, and reduce their vulnerability to unpredictable weather conditions.
Good water management balances demand with supply while protecting water sources for future use.
Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation supplies water directly to plant roots through pipes and small emitters, minimising evaporation. This system is highly efficient, allowing farmers to save up to 50% more water compared to traditional methods. It also improves crop yields and quality by keeping soil moisture levels consistently optimal. In addition, because only the root zone is watered, drip irrigation helps reduce weed growth and soil erosion.
Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing rainwater when it falls is vital, involves collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops, gutters, or farm ponds for use during dry periods. This method serves as a supplemental irrigation source, a drought buffer, and a way to reduce dependency on overused boreholes or unreliable river systems.
Mulching: Mulching is the process of covering the soil with materials such as dry grass, straw, leaves, or plastic sheeting to reduce evaporation and help the soil retain moisture for longer. Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete for water, stabilises soil temperature, and prevents erosion. This water-saving strategy enhances root development and promotes healthier crops.
Zai Pits and Planting Basins: Zai pits, small, dug-out holes filled with organic matter, are a traditional West African technique for farming in hard, dry soils. They help collect rainwater, concentrate nutrients, and promote moisture retention around plant roots. When combined with compost or biochar, these pits support better germination and resilience during drought.
Contour Farming and Terracing: Contour farming and terracing are methods that shape the land to follow its natural contours, slowing water flow and increasing infiltration. On sloped farmland, water runoff can lead to erosion and the loss of valuable topsoil. By preventing erosion and distributing water evenly, farmers can grow more with less water loss.
Compost and Organic Matter: Effective water management also depends on healthy soil. This means compost, manure, and other organic matter improve the soil’s structure, increasing its ability to hold water. It aids microbial activity and nutrient retention, which are responsible for plant health.
Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): AWD is a water-saving method used in rice cultivation, where fields are allowed to dry out intermittently before being re-flooded. This process can reduce water use by 15–35% without reducing yields. Farmers implement AWD using simple tools like water-level gauges and field observations. Not only does this conserve water, but it also decreases methane emissions, making it environmentally sustainable.
Drought-Resistant Crops and Rotations: Planting drought-tolerant varieties of crops like maise, sorghum, and improved cassava helps farmers maintain productivity under water stress. Rotating crops enhances soil health and reduces pests, further supporting efficient water use. Agricultural research institutes in Nigeria such as IITA are promoting these varieties, making them more accessible through extension programs.
Monitoring and Scheduling Water Use: Smallholder farmers can benefit from simple irrigation scheduling based on soil moisture or weather forecasts. Using basic field tests or affordable moisture sensors, they can avoid over- or under-watering their crops. Scheduling irrigation when it’s most needed, not just when it’s convenient, helps conserve limited water resources while optimising crop yields.
Despite the effectiveness of these methods, barriers remain. The upfront cost of drip systems or rainwater tanks may discourage adoption. However, long-term savings and improved yields offset these expenses. Many farmers also need training and support to understand and apply new practices. Extension services, NGOs, and farmer associations play a role in bridging this. Finally, scaling up sustainable water management requires partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector to create enabling policies and funding mechanisms.
Climate change is transforming the way farming works in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season. However, with a combination of traditional and modern innovations, smallholder farmers can take control of their water resources.
