Agricultural experts have renewed calls for stronger collaboration, practical interventions, and improved farmer education to help smallholder farmers adopt modern technologies and better manage climate risks, which threaten food availability across the continent.
The experts spoke during an online dialogue held on Thursday, which attracted nearly 100 African farmers and agricultural stakeholders who shared experiences and sought guidance on boosting farm productivity.
They warned that Africa is warming faster than the global average, resulting in recurring droughts and floods that could slash crop yields by up to 20% by 2050.
The experts stressed that digital innovations, nature-based solutions, and new financial models are essential to strengthening resilience.
The webinar, organised by DIniti8tive X Agropedia, featured six resource persons, including Munir Ahmed, project coordinator at IITA and the Islamic Development Bank; Ronke Adeniyi, programme manager at the Environmental & Resource Centre, Nigeria; Chief Bassey Archibong, CEO of Agropedia; Dr. Fidelis Ekom, managing partner; and Dr. Rufus Idris, country director of AGRA.
The session focused on the theme “Climate Risks & Food Security in Africa – Leveraging Innovation for Resilient Food Systems.”
The panel also underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration, stronger infrastructure, and supportive policies to reduce economic losses and transform food systems.
In her keynote address, Ogheneovo Ugbebor, represented by Nkemjika Onuoha of Ikore International, emphasised the need for actionable solutions and deeper collaboration among researchers, private sector leaders, communities, and institutions.
She noted that 21.1 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food shortages, urging stakeholders to take bold steps toward building resilient and equitable food systems.
Munir Ahmed revealed that more than 70,000 smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria are already struggling with climate-related challenges. He called for enforceable policies, quality agricultural research, and synergy among experts to attract investment across value chains.
“No single actor can do it alone. From this conference, we must work the talk by providing real solutions,” he said.
Dr. Rufus Idris noted that climate risks cost Nigeria an estimated N10.3 billion annually, advising farmers to adopt climate-smart seeds. He also stressed the importance of guidance from soil scientists and irrigation experts to help farmers optimize soil nutrients and improve crop quality.
The experts further called for improved rural infrastructure and efficient distribution systems to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access. They also advocated for policy reforms to remove barriers to adopting climate-smart agricultural practices.
According to the panel, climate change costs Africa between $9–10 billion annually, with 26.5 million Nigerians expected to face food insecurity in 2025 if urgent interventions are not implemented.
Speakers recommended harnessing world-class research institutions to develop practical, real-time solutions tailored to local contexts.
They identified water harvesting and the widespread adoption of drought-resistant crops as key strategies for managing climate impacts in vulnerable regions.
Agric experts call for practical solutions to food shortages
