The Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are working together to improve access to climate finance in Northern Nigeria. This initiative is part of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCN), which seeks to create stronger, more resilient agriculture that can withstand climate challenges.
The VCN aims to support farmers in northern states by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This means more focus on nutrition-sensitive and inclusive agricultural methods that consider the needs of the environment.
Recently, a workshop titled “Capacity Building on Climate Resilience for Agri-food Systems Transformation” was held in Abuja. During the event, Dede Ekoue, the IFAD Country Director, emphasized the importance of training participants to identify and use climate finance opportunities effectively. She stated that the aim is to ensure everyone involved understands climate risks and the strategies needed to address them.
Ekoue highlighted the threats that climate change poses to Northern Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. She stressed that any interventions should be informed by thorough analysis, particularly using the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRAVA). This tool will help to pinpoint areas of greatest danger and ensure that investments made through VCN are truly beneficial.
Mrs. Olubunmi Iluromi from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture noted that climate change impacts, like droughts and floods, are now a pressing reality. This makes it even more crucial to move from general discussions about climate risks to targeted actions that can help farmers adapt.
Dr. Oluyede Ajayi from the Global Center on Adaptation added that their organization aids governments and financial institutions in integrating climate adaptation into agriculture projects. This support includes developing systems that can cope with climate stresses, improving crop production, and offering digital climate advisory services.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the urgency to address climate change in agriculture. According to a 2022 survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization, over 80% of farmers in Nigeria have reported witnessing shifts in weather patterns, underscoring the need for effective adaptation strategies.
By strengthening the understanding and capabilities of local stakeholders, this initiative not only aims to enhance agricultural productivity but also to attract lasting climate investment essential for the future.
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climate finance,International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),Nigeria,stakeholders
