There is a universal call for the decarbonisation of the global environment, necessitating the need for renewable energy and other forms of sustainable solutions, such as carbon farming, carbon markets, and nature-based climate actions.

Nigeria is gradually transitioning from conventional approaches to adopting carbon-conscious practices, such as sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration techniques, albeit in phases. 

Today, Carbon farming is being recognised as a component of Nigeria’s agenda to reduce the effects of climate change on economic development. While efforts are still in the early stages, integrating carbon-focused practices within agriculture offers a viable path to mitigate carbon emissions and promote sustainability.

What Is Carbon Farming?

The concept of carbon farming is new. It is a comprehensive approach that uses specific farming practices to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and sequester it in plants and soil. It works by enhancing natural processes that remove carbon and increase the land’s productivity.

This approach views solar energy as the primary driver of life on the farm, with carbon serving as the energy carrier within the system. Carbon farming is closely linked to regenerative agriculture, primarily based on how ecosystems naturally work to improve soil health and farm output over time.

Why does Carbon Farming Matter in Nigeria?

Carbon farming represents a climate mitigation tool and serves as a bridge toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for Nigeria’s environmental and agricultural sectors.

From 2015 to 2021, Nigeria accounted for 2% of global agricultural carbon emissions, contributing to the changing climate system in the country. Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest agricultural nations, with approximately 70% of its population engaged in farming. 

However, most still rely on conventional methods that degrade the soil and contribute to emissions. As the global push to reduce carbon emissions intensifies, it becomes increasingly important for Nigeria to embrace sustainable practices.

Importance of Carbon Farming to Nigeria’s Agricultural Space

1. Climate Change Mitigation: Carbon farming helps the soil’s and vegetation’s capacity to store carbon, directly reducing atmospheric CO₂ and supporting Nigeria in addressing its climate change challenges. Its adoption can significantly reduce emissions and align with global climate goals like the Paris Agreement.
2. Improved Soil Health: Soil health is important and improves farming production. Carbon farming enhances soil structure, fertility, and water retention, strengthening farmland against weather variability and supporting higher, more stable yields, even in droughts and floods.
3. Food Security: Improving soil health and productivity through carbon farming helps stabilise and increase food production, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen food security in the face of climate-related shocks.
4. Sustainable Land Management and Biodiversity: Practices such as agroforestry, cover cropping, and reduced tillage not only sequester carbon but also restore degraded land, enhance biodiversity, and promote long-term sustainability.
5. Economic Opportunity for Farmers: Carbon farming enables farmers to generate carbon credits by quantifying the CO₂ they sequester. These credits can be sold on global markets, providing a new income stream and diversifying earnings beyond traditional crops. An example is Tourba’s carbon farming project, which ensures that a significant share of the proceeds from credit sales goes directly to participating farmers, thereby improving rural livelihoods.

Opeoluwa Filani, Country Manager for Tourba in Nigeria, offers a clear perspective on its potential. He states that Carbon Farming ” is not just about environmental benefits. It directly improves crop yields, enhances soil health, and enables farmers to earn revenue from sustainable practices through carbon credit sales. We support the entire agricultural value chain to ensure that farmers benefit both ecologically and economically.”

Carbon farming generates employment opportunities in tree planting, monitoring, and farm management. It stimulates local economies, reduces rural poverty, opens doors for partnerships, and fosters community-led environmental stewardship.

Understanding How Carbon Farming Works 

1. Adopt Sustainable Practices: Farmers begin by implementing carbon-sequestering techniques suited to their land and climate zone. These practices are crucial for effectively capturing carbon from the atmosphere
2. Measurement and Verification: To ensure the accuracy and transparency of carbon capture, several methods are employed. This includes soil testing, the use of satellite imagery, and third-party audits that verify the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil.
3. Certification and Sale of Credits: Verified carbon credits are then issued and sold on voluntary or compliance carbon markets, with proceeds shared among participating farmers.
4. Support and Training: Organisations and government agencies provide technical support and training, and sometimes cover initial costs to encourage adoption. In some cases, they may also cover initial costs to facilitate the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, encouraging broader participation in sustainability efforts.

Practices in Carbon Farming for Nigeria

Nigerian farmers have the opportunity to implement various carbon farming practices that not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also enhance agricultural productivity. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Agroforestry: This practice involves integrating tree species such as moringa, baobab, or neem with crops. Trees play a crucial role in capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂), providing shade, producing fuelwood, and offering fruits, while also protecting crops from wind.

2. Cover Cropping and Crop Rotation: By planting legumes like cowpea or groundnut during the off-season, farmers can fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps protect it and increases soil carbon levels. This practice is vital for maintaining soil health.

3. Minimum Tillage Farming: Reducing the frequency of ploughing helps preserve soil structure and minimises carbon release. Techniques such as mulching and direct seeding are particularly effective in both dry and humid zones of Nigeria.

4. Composting and Organic Amendments: Converting food waste, animal manure, and crop residues into compost enriches the soil with nutrients and boosts microbial activity, which is beneficial for overall soil health.

5. Rotational Grazing: In pastoral regions, managing livestock grazing patterns is essential to prevent overgrazing. This method aids in restoring pastureland and promoting carbon storage within grasslands.

Despite the promising advantages of carbon farming, several barriers continue to hinder the achievement of a comprehensive carbon farming plan and carbon neutrality in Nigeria. These challenges include limited financial funding, lack of technical expertise, poor policy alignment, inadequate data infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and ecological and environmental limitations.

With the implementation of supportive policies, partnerships, and education, farmers can reduce losses, resulting in more successful planting outcomes and improved food security for the country.