There is a rising issue in the agricultural sector that is threatening food security and rural livelihood in developing countries. It is becoming more real every day as its consequences are experienced by all and sundry, and its long term consequences would increase the number of hungry and poor people. This in particular can no longer be overlooked by agricultural stakeholders.

Climate change is here and smallholder farmers are worst hit by its effects. This is because the majority of smallholder farmers are involved in rain-fed farming, which is no longer sustainable. The continuous irregular rainfall pattern has affected food production adversely, contributing to crop loss and low productivity.

The issue of climate change should not be taken lightly as its impending doom is too gracious to be ignored
Therefore, it is essential that new methods of farming are adopted at this unprecedented time. New challenges require innovative ways to solve them. Investment in Research & Development should be a top priority to help develop and validate new techniques of solving these challenges. In addition, a priority should lay on continuous linkage of research institutes with agricultural extension organisations, and capacity building of extension agents that meet the new reality in the sector.

The issue of climate change should not be taken lightly as its impending doom is too gracious to be ignored. Therefore, every stakeholder should make concerted efforts to support and promote climate mitigation policies that would benefit smallholder farmers, and ensure sustainable food production.

Yours-in-service

Babatunde
Farm visit at Oyan dam, Ogun State, Nigeria