Agriculture involves food and livestock production, which every society needs to survive. At the heart of this process lies water, an invaluable resource that plays a critical role in crop growth and ensuring the well-being of livestock. Furthermore, effective water management is key to implementing sustainable farming practices.

Hence, the level at which a society thrives depends on farmers’ access to water as they go about their practices. In Nigeria, about 90% of farmers rely solely on rainfed agriculture, meaning that farmers depend on seasonal rainfall to grow their crops. 

Due to the effects of climate change, rainfed agriculture is no longer the same as it once was. If the rains arrive late, stop too early, or fall too hard, livelihoods are instantly at risk, and farmers, especially smallholder farmers, face the most severe consequences. Smallholder farmers across villages and farming communities account for a large amount of food and livestock production. Smallholder farmers must learn how to adapt to climate change. 

This article investigates simple and effective water-saving techniques, such as mulching, rainwater harvesting, and cultivating drought-tolerant crops, that can help smallholder farmers survive and even thrive during the dry season.

Who are Smallholder Farmers?

Smallholder farmers are popularly referred to as the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector due to their significant contribution to the nation’s food production. About 80% of Nigerian farmers are smallholder farmers, and 70% are in rural areas of the country.

The term “smallholder farmers” refers to farmers who own small plots of land (in Nigeria, typically less than 5 acres) to cultivate subsistence crops and several cash crops. Family members are usually involved in farming activities and labour.

These farmers mainly rely on rainfed agriculture, and climate change has disrupted the accurate prediction of rainfall, which affects preparedness and food production. Water saving is the best way for these farmers to avoid suffering during drought. 

Why Water Saving is Important for Nigerian farmers

Food security begins with water, a significant input in agriculture. Every stage of the food production process needs water, from when the seed is in the soil until it reaches the final consumer.

The farming cycle relies on water, which nurtures the crop, hydrates the soil, facilitates nutrient absorption, and drives photosynthesis. Without it, seeds do not germinate, crops do not mature, and yields are compromised.

Water nourishes livestock, promotes animal health, supports milk production, and maintains pasturelands. When water becomes scarce or unpredictable, food systems weaken, livelihoods are threatened, and communities face hunger. This is why water-saving techniques are essential for Nigerian farmers. 

Water Saving Techniques Nigerian Smallholder Farmers can Adopt

The numerous uses of water necessitate that it be managed and used effectively, especially in the face of water pollution, water conflicts, and climate change. 

Here are some ways smallholder farmers can save water during the dry season to sustain their crops against climate variability.

1. Mulching: Mulching involves utilising organic matter to cover crops after planting. The mulching process consists of surrounding the soil with crops with dry grass, leaves, sawdust, or crop residue, which helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, and regulates soil temperature. Mulching significantly reduces water evaporation by shielding the soil from direct sunlight.

2. Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for use. This rainwater can be stored in tanks, ponds, or dams. This process provides farmers with water to use during droughts and dry spells. Storing rainwater is an affordable option, as rain is a free resource.

3. Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation involves the artificial application of water directly to plant roots through tubes, pipes, and emitters. It minimises evaporation and can reduce water use by up to 60–90%. Some land requires irrigation to be used for agricultural production. In other places, irrigation is primarily a means to supplement rainfall and serves to increase production. Smallholder farmers can perforate plastic bottles placed at plant bases as mini-drippers.

4. Drought-Resistant Crops: Drought-resistant crops are specially bred or genetically modified plants that thrive in limited water. Drought-resistant crops include sorghum, millet, cassava, cowpea, and chickpea. They adapt well in semi-arid zones. These crop seeds are available from local agricultural extension officers or IITA.

5. Land Preparation and Conservation Practices: Techniques such as minimal tillage, contour farming, terracing, and strategic weeding reduce water runoff and soil erosion, preserving soil moisture and reducing water waste.

6. Community Water Sharing Systems:  Working together ensures wider access to limited water resources and strengthens farming outputs. This can be achieved through alliances, cooperatives, which build shared water tanks or ponds, and pool funds for borehole maintenance.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, emphasises the importance of water management for Nigerian farmers, especially in Nigeria’s climate-vulnerable regions. 

This encourages the adoption of drip and precision irrigation to maximise water efficiency, stresses the need for accessible infrastructure to capture and store rainwater for use during dry periods, and calls for training and capacity building so farmers can implement water-saving techniques effectively.

Policymakers, development partners, and agricultural stakeholders must support farmers with access to affordable technologies, training, and infrastructure. Communities must also work together to share resources and knowledge.

The time to act is now. By adopting water-saving techniques and building a culture of sustainable farming, smallholder farmers can secure their livelihoods, strengthen food security, and ensure a thriving agricultural future for generations to come.