Since January this year, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have encountered heat like never before. The heat wave has left tears, sorrow, and ugly scars. The phenomenon of new temperature is compounding the already bad health challenge for the residents. Against this backdrop, Gom Mirian in this report spoke with some poultry farmers in Abuja.
Rising Temperatures
In the scorching heat of Abuja, Nigeria, a silent and deadly epidemic is slowly suffocating the dreams of poultry farmers and impacting the education of countless numbers of students. As climate change relentlessly intensifies, heat waves have become a cruel reality for these farmers.
Each day, they grapple with the heart-wrenching loss of their avian companions, while students struggle to concentrate in stifling classrooms.
This scorching predicament, caused by rising temperatures, exacerbated by ineffective measures, and epileptic power supply, has sparked a battle for survival and change among the people of Abuja.
The Struggles of Poultry Farmers
Under the relentless Abuja sun, poultry farmers are experiencing tremendous losses as the intense heat waves prove detrimental to the survival of their birds, resulting in considerable financial setbacks.
Mrs. Philomena, a passionate poultry farmer, narrates how the heat wave has devastated her once-flourishing farm. “Every day, I find lifeless birds lying on the ground. It breaks my heart to see my hard work and investment go to waste,” she laments.
She went on saying, “Some days, the death toll reaches up to 20, and I can’t help but blame the worsening heat waves for their suffering. These birds are like my family, and losing them not only affects my income but also takes a toll on my mental well-being,” Philomena lamented as she wiped away a tear.
The soaring temperatures, which can reach an alarming 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), are too much for the birds to bear, ultimately leading to their untimely demise.
Mohammed Ali, another poultry farmer, echoes Philomena’s sentiments expressing concern about the economic implications and the threat to his family’s wellbeing. States, “My livelihood is at stake. These heat waves not only claim the lives of my birds but also threaten my ability to feed my family and support my children’s education,” he shares with a heavy heart.
Mr. Ali, who has been in the poultry farming business for over a decade continued, “The heatwave has not only resulted in the loss of birds but has also led to a decline in egg production, affecting our income and livelihood,” he added. “I have to spend more on feed and cooling systems, which is putting a strain on my finances. Climate change is a real threat to our livelihoods, and we need urgent action to address it.”
Mrs. Philomena and Mohammed Ali’s stories are just a few among many, across Abuja, poultry farmers are reporting similar challenges, with some even forced to shut down their businesses entirely.
Affecting the Education of Abuja Youth
The impact of the heat wave is not limited to poultry farmers alone – students in Abuja are also feeling the effects of the rising temperatures. With school buildings often lacking proper ventilation and air conditioning, students are struggling to focus and learn in the stifling heat. As classrooms become unbearably hot, students are finding it difficult to concentrate, leading to decreased academic performance.
To gain further insight into the challenges faced by students, AHR spoke with a group of secondary school students in Abuja. They shared their experiences of trying to study and attend classes in the sweltering heat. “It’s incredibly hard to focus on our studies when the classrooms are so hot. We feel drained and exhausted, which affects our ability to learn effectively,” David, an SS 1 student of Government secondary, lamented.
Another student, Kabiru Yusuf, a student at the Gosa secondary school in Abuja, describes the daily struggle of trying to learn in such a hostile environment. “The heat drains us of energy, making it difficult to focus on our studies. We often find ourselves nodding off, unable to absorb the lessons,” he explains.
“It’s unbearable to imagine the situation our kids are facing in school. Learning becomes almost impossible with no fans or air conditioning and sometimes no electricity for weeks. It’s a vicious cycle, as the heat affects our ability to study, and the lack of power cripples our chances of escape from this situation,” said Mrs. Olawunmi, a concerned parent.
It is a sobering reality where dreams of education, success, and brighter futures are slipping away due to circumstances beyond their control.
Searching for Solutions: Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, Identifies Climate Change, Urbanization
To better understand the causes and implications of this alarming situation, Africa Health Report, (AHR) reached out to Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, the president of the Farmers Association of Nigeria. In an exclusive interview, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, identifies climate change, urbanization, and deforestation have contributed to the increased intensity and frequency of heat waves. Stating, “The heatwave is a direct consequence of climate change, fueled by human activities. The lack of tree cover and increasing greenhouse gas emissions contribute significantly to the rise in temperatures, making Abuja more vulnerable to extreme heat. As a result, poultry farmers are suffering immense economic losses, putting their sustainability at risk.”
He highlighted the importance of implementing sustainable practices to reduce the impact of climate change on poultry farming. “We need to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions.
“Farmers should implement water conservation measures and adopt heat-stress management strategies to protect their birds from the effects of the heat wave,” he suggested.
While citing climate change as the primary driver of the region’s escalating temperatures. He warns that if greenhouse gas emissions are not curbed and immediate measures are not implemented, the current heat wave crisis will only worsen.
According to available statistics, the average highest temperature in Abuja has increased by over 2.2 degrees Celsius in the last decade, with certain days exceeding 40 degrees. These soaring temperatures have profound implications for poultry farming, not only increasing bird mortality rates but also affecting egg production and quality.
To combat these life-altering heat waves, imaginative and comprehensive solutions are needed. Experts propose the adoption of heat-resistant breeds, encouraging farmers to construct well-ventilated structures, and implementing cooling systems using renewable energy sources. They stressed the need for combined efforts from the government, farmers, and the community are paramount for a successful resolution.
While the consequences faced by poultry farmers and students in Abuja are dire, there is hope for a brighter future. By implementing sustainable farming practices, promoting renewable energy, and investing in climate change mitigation strategies, the people of Abuja can fight back against the devastating heat waves. The time for action is now, as the very survival of generations to come depends on our ability to adapt to our changing environment.
Together, we can ensure that both the wings of poultry farmers and the aspirations of students in Abuja remain unbroken.
