Some environmentalists have called for the education of farmers to adapt to the irregularities in rainfall patterns ahead of the 2024 planting season.

The experts made the call in separate interviews with journalists on Friday in Lagos.

Gafar Odubote, the network coordinator of Let’s Do It World Africa Region, an environmental non-profit organisation, said farmers needed to be equipped with the correct information on climate change to adapt to the changing rainfall patterns.

“Rainfall is vital to agriculture, as most crop cultivation is under a direct rain-fed farming system in Nigeria,“ he said. “These changing patterns entail early rainfall in some places and late in other places.”

Mr Odubote said the change in rain patterns made it challenging for farmers to plan effectively. 

“Therefore, farmers and practitioners are required to pay close attention to climate change and implement some agricultural adaptation measures.

“Local farmers must first be equipped with knowledge. They must learn about climate change and accept the fact that rainfall patterns cannot be regular,” Mr Odubote said.

He also stressed the need for farmers to have a close relationship with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for meteorological and climatological information in planning and operational activities.

On his part, Olumide Idowu, a climate change expert and co-founder of Climate Wednesday, said adequate data for farmers was necessary for adaptation.

“It is essential to gather and analyse weather data, make use of climate models and forecasts, diversify crops and planting dates, and seek counsel from agricultural specialists on the changing rain patterns.

“Farmers will be able to make more educated judgements and better adjust to the changing conditions with the assistance of these tactics,” he said. 

Mr Idowu also emphasised the need to equip farmers with essential tools and knowledge before crop cultivation this year. 

“This includes understanding specific crop requirements, obtaining quality seeds, tools for land preparation, access to water sources or irrigation systems, and staying updated on modern farming practices.

“Education on climate change and knowledge-sharing networks can help farmers acquire the latest research and best practices for adapting to changing rain patterns,” Mr Idowu said. 

(NAN)