Climate change has had a lasting impact on Agriculture and food security in Nigeria, making the country more vulnerable to environmental calamities and reducing food production capacity. 

In Northern Nigeria, a region vital to  the country’s  food supply, extreme weather conditions, particularly flooding and droughts, have become more apparent, altering agricultural practices and exerting considerable pressure on food security, the livelihoods of farmers, and the overall rural economy.  

These climate change patterns are prompting farmers to rethink their practices and adopt new strategies. However, these challenges persist due to inadequate irrigation systems, poor infrastructure, and limited access to modern farming methods, which worsen the problems associated with climate change in Northern Nigeria’s agriculture.

This article examines the effects of flooding and droughts in Northern Nigeria, outlining how farmers adapt to and can further adapt to these climate-related threats.

Climate Change in Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria is experiencing the effects of climate change. The region has long been more vulnerable to extreme weather than the Southern Regions, and climate change has stretched this vulnerability. 

One of the most visible effects of climate change is the disruption of rainfall patterns. The rainy season in the North has become shorter and less predictable. When it does rain, it often comes in sudden bursts, leading to floods that can overwhelm the land. 

These floods have increased in frequency and intensity, resulting in the erosion of fertile soil,destruction of  newly planted seeds, and damage to essential infrastructure. At the same time, droughts are becoming more prolonged, especially during the planting season, further undermining food production. Given that northern Nigeria relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture, fluctuations in rainfall directly affect crop yields and farmers’ livelihoods.

These agricultural challenges place farmers in an increasingly precarious situation. They must contend with inadequate rainfall at times and excessive rainfall at others, which can devastate harvests. The consequences of such weather disruptions are severe, leading to crop failures, soil degradation, and rising food insecurity. The region’s existing infrastructure is ill-equipped to manage these challenges, with inadequate drainage and irrigation systems further hampering resilience. 

Dr. Isa Yusuf-Sokoto, environmentalist at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, highlights the urgency of the situation:: “The drying of rivers, lakes, streams in recent decades is associated with climate change that has come to stay. If there is no intervention for farmers and this intervention has to be an emergency one, there will virtually be a food crisis, a water crisis will also come up, and even health crisis can come up because all these are sons and daughters that could be given birth by climate change”.

Addressing these issues requires immediate and prioritised action to support northern Nigeria in adapting to the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.

Impact of Flooding and Droughts on Northern Nigerian Farms

Floods and droughts have an impact on food production, agriculture and farmers’ choices.  Here are some of the impacts of flooding and droughts in the region: 

• Disrupted Planting Seasons: Traditionally, farmers rely on predictable rainy and dry seasons to determine planting and harvesting. However, recent years have seen intense rainfall causing floods, and prolonged droughts.  This shortens the planting windows, resulting in premature harvesting and reduced yields.
• Crop Loss and Soil Degradation: Floodwaters wash away topsoil, erode farmlands, and destroy young crops. Conversely, droughts stress plants, stunt growth, and reduce soil moisture. The combined effect lowers soil fertility and productivity, with some areas experiencing loss of cultivable land.
• Food Insecurity: Floods and droughts have contributed to widespread food shortages. In 2025, flooding affected over 33 states, threatening millions with hunger. The destruction of farmlands and supply chain disruption have worsened northern Nigeria’s already precarious food security situation.
• Infrastructure and Livelihood Damage: Floods damage irrigation systems, roads, and storage facilities, hampering farm operations and market access. Many smallholder farmers lose seeds, tools, and livestock, delaying recovery and increasing poverty.

Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies for Flooding and Drought in Northern Nigeria

The importance of land improvement cannot be emphasised. Good land means more opportunities for farmers to engage in planting, which will boost food security, sustain a value chain. 

Here are some strategies to adopt in the face of the climate crisis:

• Improved Drainage and Water Management: The government needs to invest in drainage channels, clear waterways, and build dams to control flooding. Communities must also maintain these infrastructures to prevent blockages and soil erosion.
• Dry-Season Farming and Irrigation: Expanding dry-season farming using dammed and groundwater resources can reduce dependence on rain. Drip irrigation and water harvesting techniques help conserve scarce water during droughts.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Farmers are encouraged to adopt drought- and flood-tolerant crop varieties, adjust planting calendars based on meteorological forecasts, and diversify crops to spread risk.
• Early Warning Systems and Farmer Education: Education helps farmers stay ahead. By providing timely meteorological information, these systems help farmers make informed decisions, allowing them to plan effectively and minimise potential losses. Education and access to accurate weather data also assist farmers in adapting to changing climatic conditions and enhancing their overall productivity. 
• Relocation and Land Use Planning: Moving farming activities away from flood-prone riverine and erosion-prone areas can also help farmers reduce losses.

Northern Nigeria is experiencing intensified flooding and droughts primarily due to climate change. These environmental challenges significantly disrupt agricultural activities, posing a serious threat to food security for millions of residents. 

Tackling these issues necessitates a coordinated government response, including investments in infrastructure, the adoption of climate-smart farming practices, and active community engagement. Such initiatives are essential to protecting livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic development. 

As the climate evolves, agricultural practices must adapt accordingly.