Investigation: Nationwide Food Crisis Looms Over Climate Change

-As Farmers Lament Prolonged Drought, Foresee Poor Harvest

-Experts Demand Urgent Intervention Through Irrigation Overhaul

Nigeria may be edging closer to a full-blown food crisis as prolonged drought conditions and a lack of irrigation support threaten to decimate crop yields across key agricultural zones.

Experts have raised the alarm that if rain fails to return within the next two weeks, farmers could lose nearly all crops currently planted, forcing a total replanting that may be impossible in some regions.

The warning comes as tomato prices surge to between N25,000 and N30,000 per crate, signalling the start of a broader inflationary wave tied to dwindling food supply.

The State Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Hakeem Ogundeko revealed this in an interview with Weekend Hope.

He said: “This is not just a seasonal dry spell, we are witnessing the devastating impact of climate change on our agricultural system. Weather patterns have become increasingly erratic, disrupting Nigeria’s reliance on rain-fed farming.

“Sometimes there is too much rain, sometimes there is none. The result is the same: crop failure. This is why we are urging a national shift towards irrigation and smart agriculture.”

According to Ogundeko, the ministry has begun sensitising farmers and rolling out training on climate-resilient farming techniques, including irrigation, which he said remains the most viable way to ensure year-round food production.

“We are preparing to distribute water-pumping machines and train farmers on surface water irrigation. But government alone cannot carry the burden farmers must see agriculture as a business and invest accordingly,” he assured.

He warned that Nigeria’s food supply is under increasing pressure from rising population, insecurity in rural areas and climate change. Though efforts are underway to subsidise inputs, he insisted that more must be done to build sustainable systems.

Ogundeko also hinted at the imminent establishment of a Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to further support the sector.

Reacting to the crisis, former Ondo State Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Sunday Akintomide, said the current dry spell is already hitting smallholder farmers hard.

Akintomide warned: “If the rains don’t return soon, we may have to start all over again, that is if replanting is even an option. Tomatoes, maize, cassava, they are all affected. If this continues, food prices will spike beyond the reach of many households.”

He called for a robust national irrigation strategy, saying Nigeria can no longer afford to depend on rainfall.

“Irrigation is the future of agriculture. We must start creating designated zones for irrigated farming, with boreholes, pumping machines and water channels,” he said.

He urged the government to tap into local expertise to construct small dams and expand access to water sources.

He called on local governments to urgently map river channels and invest in water harvesting infrastructure.

“Our agricultural system needs a complete overhaul. We need proactive leadership. Commissioners and advisers must speak out. This is a national emergency,” he said.

He also warned that continued inaction could normalise drought as a seasonal reality, noting that most Nigerian farmers are unprepared for the changes unfolding due to climate instability.

“As long as we continue to rely on unpredictable rainfall and fail to adapt, food shortages will only worsen,” Akintomide stated.

With inflation surging and millions already facing hunger, experts are calling for decisive action to secure Nigeria’s food future. From the grassroots to the federal level, the consensus is clear irrigation is no longer optional, it is essential.

© The Hope Newspaper