News in brief:
– Australia has pledged to support Nigeria in developing climate-resistant agriculture through capacity building, technology transfer, and policy support.
– This collaboration aims to equip Nigerian farmers with climate-smart techniques to boost productivity and ensure food security.
The Australian government has pledged to support Nigeria in developing climate-resistant agriculture and mitigating the effects of climate change, a move that could benefit Nigerian farmers.
Marc Innes-Brown, First Assistant Secretary of the Middle East and African Division in Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, committed to this during the fourth Nigeria-Australia Senior Officials Talks held in Abuja.
He emphasised that Nigeria was chosen for this partnership due to its strategic importance in Africa and globally. According to him, Australia is keen to help Nigerian farmers build capacity to tackle climate-related challenges that affect food production.
“Nigeria and Australia share similarities in geography and leadership roles in their regions,” Innes-Brown noted. “This collaboration will bring new measures to support agriculture and strengthen economic ties.”
Opportunities for Nigerian farmers
This partnership could provide Nigerian farmers access to new farming techniques that improve resilience to climate change. The collaboration is expected to focus on capacity building, technology transfer, and policy support to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns.
Janet Olisa, a director at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Australia. She highlighted the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security and economic growth.
“A hungry nation is an insecure nation,” Olisa said. “Australia has shown that agriculture is a top priority, and we will continue to engage in ways that strengthen our partnership.”
Recall that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) unveiled a Digital Climate Advisory Services System (DCAS) in partnership with MTN Nigeria and global weather intelligence firm Tomorrow.io. This innovative platform aims to provide Nigerian farmers with precise, location-based weather advisories via SMS, enhancing climate resilience and agricultural productivity.
With these new commitments, Nigerian farmers may soon benefit from advanced climate-smart agricultural techniques that boost productivity and ensure long-term food security.
