The federal ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has called for the establishment of agricultural insurance and weather advisory desks at the community level to bolster climate resilience among smallholder farmers.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari made the call on Monday in Abuja.
Kyari stressed the critical role of timely weather advisory services, stating, “Making weather advisory services available at the right time will reduce the effects of climate change on the agricultural ecosystem and boost production.”
He stressed that insurance coverage is vital for protecting farmers’ investments, which is essential for increasing productivity and improving livelihoods.
The minister highlighted the rising threats of environmental disasters due to climate change, noting, “Farmers are particularly vulnerable to these disasters, which wipe out their investments each time they occur.”
He asserted that safeguarding agricultural investments is crucial for transitioning from subsistence farming to more market-oriented practices.
“The Ministry is resolved to develop the agricultural sector towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to zero hunger,” Kyari added.
In his remarks, the Director of Winrock International, Jean-Pierre Rousseau affirmed the transformative potential of agricultural insurance and weather advisory services.
“These initiatives can significantly enhance the agricultural sector in Nigeria,””he said, pledging continued support from USAID’s Feed the Future Programme.
The meeting gathered various stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing agricultural resilience in Nigeria.
