Katsina Farmers Face Climate Change Challenges

Summary:
Farmers in Katsina State, Nigeria, including Abdullahi Umar, have experienced significant declines in crop yields due to climate change over the past 15 years. Issues such as erratic rainfall, land degradation, and desert encroachment have severely impacted food production. The state, located near the Sahara Desert, faces extreme weather conditions, droughts, and floods, exacerbating the agricultural challenges.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) reports that the rainy season has shortened in northern states like Katsina, further reducing crop yields. This has led to increased food prices and scarcity, impacting farmers’ incomes and local food processors.
Experts recommend adapting farming practices, such as planting short-duration crops and increasing irrigation, to mitigate climate change effects. The Katsina State government, under Governor Dikko Radda, has established a Climate Change Council to address these issues and promote sustainable agriculture and food security.