Nigerian Farmers Confront Climate Crisis Amid Heat and Hot Temperatures

African agriculture remains at the intersection of a critical moment. Gone are the times of plentiful harvests and bountiful yields, replaced rather by a troubling truth of lessening production and mounting vulnerability. The land has lost its vitality as a result of the incessant assault of scorching sunrays and heat waves, leaving behind a desolate and hopeless landscape.

Against the scenery of a rising environmental emergency and the phantom of unfriendly weather conditions, fingers point critically at the phantom of climate change, its presence posing a potential threat to the destiny of the country's farming heartland.

Nigerian farmers end up facing difficulties, reflecting the worries of their partners across borders. During this moment, the strength of Africa's farmers is tested.

Rising Temperatures: Nigerians Farmers Under Siege

Like others, Eze Chinedu, a maize farmer in Kankun Village of Nigeria’s Oyo State counts his losses. “We’ve always been a victim of climate crisis due to floods, but the effects of the high temperatures and sun is another form of pain. We’ve just entered the stage of extreme heat and my products are already affected. I hope God helps us.”

“The heavy heat is affecting our business,” Eze told the visiting TrimFeed reporter.

It was one of the first time in recent months that the country was experiencing the heat effects. Amidst this scorching heatwave gripping the country, farmers across the nation find themselves in a frantic fight against nature's onslaught. The farmers have their expectations nailed to the downpour of rain to support their dry fields and resuscitate their crops.

For this particular farmer, fate had other plans in store. The farmer's expectations were dashed by a cruel twist of fate, passing on him to wrestle with the brutal truth of one more day without the valuable help of rainfall.

Kankun, nestled within the heart of Ona Ara local government is known for its farming. Like countless other regions across the nation, Kankun has succumbed to the slippery hold of climate change, with its staggering impacts demanding a weighty cost for the livelihoods of farmers.

“The last time we saw rain here was 4-5 months ago, this is one of the issues we’re facing in growing our yields,” Yetunde Fatai, another farmer added.

“If the rain comes today, we’ll all be happy. If these temperatures persist, crops will continually decline. The continuation of such extreme weather patterns would disrupt production and this is a concern,” Yetunde added.

Speaking with TrimFeed, the farmers voiced their distress over the challenges they face, citing extreme weather and a lack of essential inputs as the main obstacles that are reducing their productivity and threatening their very means of subsistence.

Innovative Measures: Farmers’ Result to New Ways

Lamenting the shortfall of rain and wrestling with the brutal economic crisis tormenting the country, the farmers uncovered the distinct truth of their situation. Incapable of managing the cost of indispensable gear, for example, sprinklers and water tanks, they have been constrained to depend on frantic measures to defend their harvests.

“We always go with buckets to the close by lake, fetch and carry them back to the farm. This is how we spray our crops,” Yetunde added.

The farmers work relentlessly bringing water the hard way and physically spraying their harvests — a demonstration of their unfaltering strength even with difficulty.

Data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) shows air temperature in the north is at 41°C and 39°C over the south, indicating a significant increase in heatwave.

“With model projections indicating temperatures to remain high in the coming days, This could cause heat-related illnesses; respiratory issues, and increased vulnerability to chronic conditions,” NiMet added.

Health Implications and Crop Vulnerability

Among the array of adverse health impacts, heat-related ailments manifest in various forms. Heat rash, a common affliction, may escalate into infections, further complicating matters for farmers already grappling with heat. Heat syncope, characterized by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain, can induce fainting. Heat cramps, agonizingly painful spasms that typically target the stomach, arms, and legs, further exacerbate the plight of those labouring under the sweltering sun.

However, the most severe manifestation of heat stress is heat stroke—a catastrophic failure of the body's natural cooling mechanisms, posing an immediate medical emergency. In its most dire form, heat stroke can render victims comatose, with potentially fatal consequences if not promptly treated.

Further findings from experts reveal that unpredictable weather conditions are contributing to the decline in farm production.

Extreme heat and sun intensity don't simply negatively affect human bodies alone. “Additionally, it poses a serious threat to crops. The repercussions on food accessibility are significant. This can unleash ruin on agricultural yields, prompting diminished crop creation and eventually influencing food security for an enormous scope,” Vivian Chude, a Microbiologist said.

"While the sun nourishes crops, it can also turn into a scorching enemy during dry seasons," explains Dada Oluwaseun, an agronomist. "Intense heat and harsh rays threaten yields and crops," she emphasizes.

Oluwaseun further suggests, "Plants overexposed to direct sunlight can develop sunscald. Therefore, regular watering, especially during dry spells is key. Also, using natural tree shade can significantly reduce sun exposure and create a more pleasant microclimate."

Global Implications: A Shared Crisis

Furthermore, these practices are not only occurring in Nigeria but also across the globe, fundamentally influencing crop yields in different locales around the world. The repercussions of such practices reach a long way past public boundaries, as they add to the weakening of farming efficiency on a worldwide scale.

“The first thing that happens under these conditions is crop needs more water. And of course, heat stresses any crop after a point. It's a difficult situation that's getting more difficult for farmers,” Chip Cater, an agricultural expert from Florida told TrimFeed.

“We've also seen that here in the United States, and when it is raging, everything just fries. The degree of loss is not good,” he added. “Half the world still relies on subsistence agriculture for survival and I think that's just going to get more difficult.”

This is an issue that the support side of agriculture needs to take into consideration. “By developing varieties that may be more heat tolerant, need less water. I'm sure we will see technology play a role. That may include providing some kind of retractable cover that keeps crops from full sun all day,” Chip Carter claims.

As the onslaught of extreme weather continues to batter agricultural communities, farmers find themselves facing tough times. However, questions swirl regarding the resilience of the agricultural sector, while the pressing need for concerted action to safeguard crops and sustain food production systems looms large.

Why This Matters

Nigerian farmers are on the front lines of the climate crisis, grappling with rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns that threaten their livelihoods and food security. As heatwaves intensify and rainfall becomes increasingly erratic, farmers face mounting challenges in maintaining crop yields and protecting their health. The impact of these climate-related challenges extends beyond Nigeria, affecting agricultural communities worldwide and posing a shared crisis that demands urgent action.

Key Takeaways

• Nigerian farmers are experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, including soaring temperatures and prolonged droughts.
• These extreme weather events disrupt traditional farming practices and diminish crop yields, exacerbating food insecurity and economic hardship for farmers.
• Faced with the realities of climate change, these farmers are implementing innovative measures to mitigate its impacts.
• From manually watering crops to seeking shade for protection against intense sunlight, Nigerian farmers are demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
• The heatwave poses serious health risks for farmers, including heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat rash, and heat cramps.