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A cross section of stakeholders during the roundtable meeting in Abuja.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari has advocated for agricultural insurance and weather advisory desks at the local level to bolster smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate-related challenges.
Represented by the director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr. Deola-Tayo Lordbanjou, Kyari highlighted the urgent need for climate adaptation tools during an Agricultural Insurance and Climate Advisory Round Table in Abuja.
“Climate insurance coverage can protect investments and livelihoods, helping the nation achieve its food security goals,” Kyari noted. With climate-induced issues like floods and droughts on the rise, farmers face significant setbacks that disrupt food production and local economies. Establishing timely, community-based weather advisories would allow farmers to prepare, protecting their investments and enhancing productivity.
Kyari also pointed to broader agricultural goals aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, such as reducing hunger and promoting sustainable practices. He emphasised that a secure agricultural sector is pivotal to moving small-scale farmers from subsistence to a market-oriented approach addressing gaps in the country’s food system.
The minister thanked USAID for supporting Nigeria’s agricultural and social stability through its Feed the Future Programme, which strengthens Nigeria’s role as a stable regional trade partner. Director at Winrock International, Jean-Pierre Rousseau echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the transformative potential of agricultural insurance in Nigeria. USAID, he pledged, will continue its support for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
A statement by the ministry’s director of information signed by Ikemefuna Ezeaja indicated a strong turnout of stakeholders, including USAID’s Feed the Future Programme and Agricultural Development Programme, affirming the government’s commitment to enhancing food production security through collaborative action.