Animal science experts have issued a warning about the significant threat posed by climate change to Nigeria’s agricultural productivity. They are now advocating for the adoption of “climate-smart agriculture” as a crucial strategy to meet the growing demand for food and animal protein.
This call was made during the 12th Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) and the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) joint annual meeting and 28th ASAN conference held in Abuja.
Prof. Baba Yusuf Abubakar, the President of NIAS, highlighted the relevance of the conference’s theme, “Pathways to Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change in Animal Agriculture,” given the global challenges facing food production systems. He emphasized the critical nature of food and nutrition security and pledged NIAS’s commitment to being innovative, strategic, and transformational in regulating the livestock sub-sector.
The President of the Nigeria Society for Animal Production (NSAP), Prof. Francis Abeke, echoed the need for more heat-tolerant animals in light of climate change. He stressed that the subsistent nature of animal production in Nigeria cannot meet the country’s protein needs, urging robust funding of the sector. Prof. Abeke called on all levels of government to enhance the production environment through policies and increased funding for this vital sector.
In his remarks, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdulahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the climate challenges faced by different regions in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of adopting policies and strategies that support climate-smart agriculture to mitigate the impact of climate change. The Minister emphasized that a thriving livestock sub-sector is essential for providing affordable protein, creating employment, and earning foreign exchange for Nigeria.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed the government’s genuine concern about Nigeria’s food insecurity. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to collaborate in advancing animal husbandry for sustainable food production. Ganduje acknowledged the vital role of agriculture in providing livelihoods and highlighted the significant contribution of the livestock sector to agricultural output globally.
Ganduje was honored with an award by ASAN and NIAS during the event. He called for collective efforts to enhance animal husbandry and address challenges in the sector.