Trees, Climate Change and Humans

Over the past few weeks, global news trends have reported environmental occurrences in different parts of the world. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes with properties worth millions destroyed. From floods in Cologne, Belgium, Southern Bavaria, Aachen, Trier, Henan, Kano, and Taiwan to landslides in India and wild bush fires in parts of the US, Canada, and Yakutsk. These are evidence of a changing world, and the undeniable effects of climate change. Thankfully, trees may just be the silver lining in this dark cloud hovering over the world.

Image source: Forestry England

Climate change which is caused by excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can be explained in the real world by irregularities in temperature and rainfall patterns. Sometimes temperatures are extremely higher than usual while rainfalls are more intense per time or last for unusually shorter or longer periods. As a result, meteorological predictions have somewhat become unreliable. These weather changes continue to worsen, hence the need for actions to be taken for adaption and/or mitigation. It has been scientifically proven that every tree through carbon sequestration contributes no matter how minutely to combating climate change. Carbon sequestration which takes away excess climate change-causing Carbon-dioxide from the atmosphere enables trees to trap the gas in their trunk, roots, and even in the soil (serving as sinks). In these sinks, carbon becomes more productive by improving soil quality and food production. This entire process of mopping up excessive carbon dioxide from the atmosphere protects the environment from disasters and consequently saves the human race from going extinct.

According to PennState Extension – an educational network of the Pennsylvania State University – US forests for example trap about 866million tons of carbon annually from the atmosphere, accounting for only 16% of the country's emissions. Asides from the fact that forests in the region are annually destroyed by wild wildfires (another process that increases Carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere), the rate at which Carbon is being trapped is inadequate. To reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the rate of trapping carbon should be higher than the rate of its emission. This example which is only a fraction of the world's predicament is a pointer to the fact that we need more trees to trap more carbon, and faster too.

From one end of the earth to another, we have all been affected by climate change. It may have been in the form of heatwaves, flooding, prolonged dry seasons, wild forest fires, extremely cold weather, a combination of rainfall, sunshine, and snow in one day, to mention but a few. Sadly, some persons have been more affected than others and unfortunately, more people would be affected as the days go by.

This is therefore a wake-up call for us to take action while we still can. In developing countries such as Nigeria where indiscriminate tree felling is a major challenge as a result of low public awareness, more needs to be done. We need to change our attitude towards our environment and also our perception towards trees and do away with the indiscriminate tree felling. Climate change adaptation and mitigation actions are not for scientists and researchers only. Do something today. Protect existing trees and plant new trees too because we are just on time to collectively protect our people and planet; tomorrow might be too late for all of us.

The Author

Ogbole Esther

''As an agriculture enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''. 

Local Food Systems of the Current and Emerging.

Amidst emerging global challenges, the call for regional and national economies to look inwards cannot be overemphasized. Recurrently, there is the compelling need to explore new options that ensure life on earth is preserved. This may include trade-offs at different levels especially as it relates to protecting environmental resources. It would also include engaging in research for development, formulating favourable policies and engaging individuals actively. The latter is the main focus of this piece. This article explores a collection of stakeholder responsibilities required to sustain local food systems. 

Did you know? 

You and I are direct or indirect actors in the production, aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food products in different forms. Whether as consumers or direct value-chain actors, every human plays a role in the achievement of food and nutrition security. And this is dependent on building, protecting and sustaining local food systems that are resilient to shocks. Moreover, unless we collectively decide to become breatharians – feeding on air rather than food – productive food systems would always be fundamental to human existence. 

What then can we do to produce more and better food (quantity and quality) amidst environmental, economic and social challenges without compromising the future of the next generation? How can we build sustainable food systems that have the ability to prepare for, adapt to and recover from different kinds of stress and shocks? How can Funke, a member of the Nigerian Parliament influence policies that protect local food systems in Nigeria? How can Chinedu the mechanic preserve his yams in an effort to protect food systems? How can Kwakwa, a herbalist in Northern Nigeria safely harvest his herbs without destroying his local food system?

Building and sustaining local food systems 

Let’s take a look at some stakeholder responsibilities that can collectively build and sustain local food systems. Some of these include;

Food Producers: These are the first and most important parts of our food systems. What is a food system without food producers? Food producers are the drivers and initial protectors of our food systems. Therefore, considering that building sustainable food systems is dependent on the optimum use of resources, willingness to adopt improved technologies and other innovations is sure to accelerate the process. These innovations may be in the form of improved seed varieties, digitalization of on-farm processes, mechanization, use of balanced fertilizer blends and other areas of precision agriculture.

The Government: There is a need to increase investment in regional and national research for development to drive country-specific innovations. This should be logical and solution-driven such that gaps are identified and actionable solutions provided. Favourable and consistent policies especially around land use, gender barriers, and a stable macro-economic environment would also enable partnerships and private sector-led investments.

Consumers: Behavioural changes are pivotal to building sustainable food systems. The consumer is the “king” and a major driver of every production and distribution process. The choices made by consumers with respect to the way, type and quantity of food consumed are important to our food systems. For example, making a decision to consume more indigenous or local varieties of food as against foreign/imported varieties and processed foods can serve as a driver for producing more local varieties. These local foods are beneficial to local food systems. Local foods are full of flavour and nutrients; they benefit the environment, promote safer supply, and support local economies.  Furthermore, consumers can protect local food systems by adjusting their diets and reducing food wastages which stress environmental resources. Consumer education is also crucial; people need to understand how their actions and inactions affect the future of food production for this generation and the next.

Investors: Investment strategies that support local food systems integration with environmental resources should be favoured over those that do not. Increasing investments by financing innovations, research and development, providing incentives to farmers for adopting new technologies etc. will contribute immensely to sustaining local food systems. For example, agricultural value-chain financing is a strategy private investors can leverage on. It is a sustainable approach to funding the production and distribution of foods. It creates value for money whilst promoting effectiveness and efficiency. 

It is important to add that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating change. A collection of productive actions from every individual is the pathway to building beneficial food systems in current and emerging times of the future. Are there other actions you consider relevant to building sustainable food systems, please leave a comment below and let’s get talking.

The Author

Ogbole Esther

''As an agriculture enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''. 

Agriculture in the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) 2021 Macroeconomic-Outlook for Nigeria.

 The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in February 2021 launched its 2021 Macroeconomic Outlook for Nigeria. In the report, the group revealed that only five (5) sectors experienced positive growth in 2020. These sectors include finance and insurance, information and communication, water supply, sewage and waste, human health, social services, and agriculture, which grew by 1.7%. Let’s now take a look at the recommendations of this report and the implications for the country’s agricultural sector in 2021.

The Existing Challenges

It’s no news that the growth of the Nigerian economy in 2020 was stalled by several factors including implementation of lockdowns that led to the disruption of supply chains, fall in crude oil price, and rising cases of insecurity in the country. Consequently, 16 out of 19 economic sectors contracted, leading to an overall contraction of the country’s GDP by 1.92% in the year under review.¹

While it may be expected that the lifting of lockdown measures, discovery of COVID-19 vaccines, and the recovery in the price of crude oil since Q4 2020 would translate to a much anticipated economic growth, this may not be so. The NESG reports that “several indicators point to the fact that many of the problems stalling the growth of the Nigerian economy existed pre COVID-19”². These problems include a steady decline in foreign investment inflow, a decline in external reserves, increasing inflation rates as well as a decline in the balance of trade due to increased importation. Furthermore, an unfriendly investment business environment remains a major challenge, as investor feedback captured by the NESG report centered on challenges such as corruption, bureaucracy in obtaining government approvals, policy inconsistencies, smuggling, poor infrastructural development, and insecurity.

The Way Forward

Having outlined the existing challenges, the report projected a three-case scenario for the Nigerian economy going forward, that is, the best, business-as-usual, and worst case scenarios. These scenarios are hinged on the government's approach towards four priority areas, viz-a-viz;

i. Macroeconomic stability

ii. Policy and regulatory consistency

iii. Sectoral reform and 

iv. Human capital development

Deductions from this report validate the assumption that if existing gaps in economic stability are to be bridged in 2021, addressing these four priority areas that cut across different sectors of the economy remain the nation’s best strategic option. Furthermore, in addressing the need for sectoral reforms, the report identified that between 2015 and 2019, crop production made the second-highest contribution to 92.2% of the country’s GDP. The sector contributed 37.2% to the country’s GDP only after telecommunications and information services which contributed 37.7%, while crude petroleum and natural gas in third place contributed 17.3%. This affirms the potentials of the country’s agricultural sector and the role it plays in ensuring economic stability.

Therefore, in focusing on the agricultural sector, we would expect to see more of the following;

1. Consistent and robust policies;

2. Elimination of regulatory and administrative bottlenecks especially in relation to the exportation of agro commodities produced in Nigeria;

3. Enabling a business environment that encourages more private sector-led investments (improved security, infrastructural development, better foreign exchange policies, etc)

4. “Thinking and doing technology”

5. Massive investment and total overhaul of the educational sector. This will produce sound and innovative graduates who will proffer creative solutions tailored to our challenges;

6. Efficient delivery by government MDAs and so much more.

In order for Nigeria to live up to its position as the “giant of Africa,” it is imperative to note that its efforts towards driving economic stability should remain at the center of every proposition. Foreign investors and domestic private businesses will not provide the needed support when the country’s business environment is unfavorable. Succinctly, as a matter of urgency, the government would need to put in more effort at all levels including Federal, State, and Local government to create the change we all desire.

Reference

1. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (2021): Nigeria Macroeconomic and Banking Sector Themes for 2021

2. The Nigeria Economic Group (2021): NESG Macroeconomic-Outlook 2021. Retrieved from https://www.nesgroup.org/research  

 

The Author

Ogbole Esther

 

''As an agriculture enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''. 

Insecurity Threatens the Nigerian Food System

Lately, the people who grow our food are being killed and forced to flee their homes by insurgents in parts of the country. With daily headlines as below:

“Two Die as Farmers, Herdsmen Clash in Oyo Community” – Sahara Reporters, 16/01/2021¹

“Seven Farmers Killed, Others Injured by Bandits Attack in Niger” - Nigerian Tribune, 02/01/2021²

 “Bauchi Lawmaker Decries Attack on Farmers by Killer Herders” – The Guardian, 31/12/2020³

“Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Three Farmers in Oyo” – Sahara Reporters, 27/12/2020⁴

“43 Farmers Killed by Insurgents Buried Amid Tears, Wailing” – The Guardian, 29/11/2020⁵

“Boko Haram Jihadists Kill Eight Farmers in Nigeria’s Borno State” - The Defense Post, 26/10/2020⁶

“Fulani Herdsmen Kill A farmer in Southern Kaduna, Hide Body in Cave” – Sahara Reporters, 08/07/2020⁷

A Canadian songwriter, Leonard Cohen once said that “there’s a crack in everything and that’s how the light gets in”. This statement is true for many situations in life and earnestly brings hope to mind even in the worst of times.

However, juxtaposing this line of thought with the condition of Nigeria’s agricultural sector is farfetched. Agriculture in the country is “embellished” with cracks. Albeit fathoming the glorious emergence of light as philosophized by Cohen is exasperating and honestly inconceivable. Daily reports of farmers being kidnapped and/or killed across parts of the country reflect a clear pattern of destruction of lives and properties. Even though contextualizing this as an effort towards crippling the country’s food system seems illogical, and makes little to no sense despite unambiguous pointers to this effect.

Crop farmers in Nigeria. Image source: Guardian Nigeria

These happenings bring to mind pungent questions about who benefits from crippling food production in Nigeria. The closure of Nigeria’s land borders from 2019 – 2020 directs a pointer at food importers. Nevertheless, these food importers have existed since the 90’s when Nigeria lost its stance on food sovereignty. Why then would there be a sudden need to attack farmers and slow down food production in the country? Next on this illusionary list of “suspects” are arms dealers. Well, considering the incessant proliferation of arms across the country, it’s tempting to conclude that corrupt politicians or top double-dealing security principals are profiteering from budgetary allocations committed to combating insecurity.

There is also the plausible theory of man’s inhumane nature meted out by brainwashed insurgents in the Nigerian context. Otherwise, could it be a mere coincidence that innocent farmers are maimed, kidnapped, raped, and killed on daily basis across parts of the country? That’s a rather befuddling coincidence if I must say. Unverified reports in some quarters claim that the situation has deteriorated to the extent that insurgents extort farmers to enable them access to their farmlands. A situation could not be more embarrassing.

Sadly, what began as a clash between farmers and herders in the middle-belt has transcended to unprovoked and senseless attacks on farmers across the country. Consequently, the causality theory throws President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration off its quest for achieving food security which they maintain remains at the fore of the administration’s agenda. Furthermore, it is a no-brainer that the achievement of food security in Nigeria is hugely dependent on the safety of rural farmers who make up over 70% of the food production workforce. Therefore, rising cases of insecurity will continue to fuel food inflation which currently stands at 19.56%.⁸

Suffice to say, Nigeria’s food production system is under threat because the life of an average farmer is unsafe. Our food heroes are dying and something needs to be done about it.

Reference

1. Sahara Reporters (2021):  Newspaper publication on 16^th January 2021. http://saharareporters.com/2021/01/16/two-die-farmers-herdsmen-clash-oyo-community
2. The Nigerian Tribune (2021): Newspaper publication on 2^nd January 2021. https://tribuneonlineng.com/seven-farmers-killed-others-injured-by-bandits-attack-in-niger/” - Nigerian Tribune, 02/01/2021
3. The Guardian (2020): Newspaper publication on 31^st December 2020. https://guardian.ng/news/bauchi-lawmaker-decries-attack-on-farmers-by-killer-herders/
4. Sahara Reporters (2020): Newspaper publication on 27^th December 2020. http://saharareporters.com/2020/12/27/suspected-fulani-herdsmen-kill-three-farmers-oyo
5. The Guardian (2020): Newspaper publication on 29^th December 2020. https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/43-farmers-kild-by-insurgents-buried-amid-tears-wailing/
6. The Defense Post (2020): Newspaper publication on 26^th October 2020. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/10/26/boko-haram-kill-eight-nigeria/
7. Sahara Reporters (2020): Newspaper publication on 8^th July 2020. http://saharareporters.com/2020/07/08/fulani-herdsmen-kill-farmer-southern-kaduna-hide-body-cave
8. Trading Economics (2021): Nigeria Food Inflation – 1996 – 2020 Data. https://tradingeconomics.com/nigeria/food-inflation

       The Author

Ogbole Esther

 ''As an agriculture enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''.

      

The Pangs of Food Inflation in Nigeria

The National Bureau of Statistics has released Nigeria’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report for October 2020. In this report¹ dated 16^th November 2020, the country’s current food inflation rate stands at 17.38%, up by 0.72% points and 4.32% higher month-on-month as compared with 16.66% in September. The report reveals that increase in prices of bread, cereals, potatoes, some tubers, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and beverages led to the rise in food index for the month under review. 

In October 2015, Nigeria’s food index was 10.1%², implying a steady increment by about 7.28% points and marginally by approximately 72% within a five year period (2015 till date). Conversely, in October 2019, the index further increased to 14.09%,³ implying that between October 2019 and October 2020, Nigeria’s food index rose by 3.29% points and 23.35% marginally.

Before the release of the current CPI report, the prevalent hike in prices of food items which I consider a realistic expression of figures published by statisticians, has gained widespread attention across the country. This hike is influenced by factors such as activities of bandits in the North-West, general insecurity and reported cases of flood across the country, hoarders reserving food in speculation of the usual heightened demand during Christmas festivities, disruptions in the food supply chain, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst inexhaustible challenges, many farmers produced less this season, driving food inflation higher before the 2021 harvest season⁴.

Already, experts report a looming food crisis in the country exit 2020 . The UN warns of “famines of biblical proportions” in the coming year, adding that parts of Burkina Faso, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen are approaching levels of critical hunger⁵. This implies as always that issues affecting food production and supply chain need to be urgently addressed.

In Nigeria today, the prices of many food items have either doubled or more than doubled in price. For example; 

FOOD ITEM	PRICE IN 2020 Q1 (NGN)	PRICE IN 2020 Q4 (NGN)	% ↑↓
50Kg Bag of foreign rice	26,000	34,000	30.7%
1 Bag of sweet potatoes	3,500	10,750	207%
1 Bag of onions	5,000	55,000	1000%
1 Sachet of tomatoes	50	150	200%
1 mudu of dry paper	800	1000	25%
1 mudu of beans	325	625	92%

Source: Author’s personal experience/one-on-one interactions with traders in some markets in parts of Northern Nigeria

In October, the #endsars protest which began as a peaceful demonstration by Nigerian youths calling for an end to police brutality and bad governance drifted into the vandalisation of government and private assets by hoodlums as well as the looting of COVID19 palliatives by hungry Nigerians. While the looting of palliatives was met with mixed reactions, I consider it a true representation of the Nigerian State, viz-a-viz failed structures and systems, weak institutions, deprived citizens, high rate of hunger and poverty and so much more. I also consider it a true reflection of the prevailing food inflation rate amidst so much hardship in the country. Sadly, the gap in income level of many Nigerians and prices of food in the market continues to widen, causing more citizens to struggle for survival.

Therefore, in view of the fact that these prices have been predicted to rise steadily, it has become critical to declare a state of emergency to reposition the Nigerian agricultural sector. In my article on food inflation published in June 2020⁶, one major solution proffered was the need to look inwards. Strengthening local capacity across various agricultural value chains is key! 

The solution is not in borrowing money from Brazil⁷ to fund food production, at least not yet. Until Nigeria’s agricultural sector is repositioned to address real-time issues, the government might just be borrowing to fill the pockets of some greedy, hungry and short-sighted Nigerians. In addition, there is the need to enhance the capacity of farmers in line with global best practices for sustainable agricultural intensification as well as strengthen the capacity of institutions saddled with promoting agriculture. This will include charging government agencies to deliver on their mandates amongst numerous sustainable approaches.

In conclusion, it is imperative to add that looking inwards also includes growing a fraction of what we eat as individuals and family units. Let’s grow our pepper, herbs, vegetables, maize, beans, groundnut and even tubers depending on available land space, bearing in mind that some of these food items can be planted in containers. By doing this, we would be adopting a holistic approach towards promoting sustainable food systems that will ensure food is available and affordable for all Nigerians.

References

1. National Bureau of Statistics (2020): Consumer Price Index October 2020. It can be accessed via https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary

2. National Bureau of Statistics (2015): Consumer Price Index October 2015. It can be accessed via https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary

3. National Bureau of Statistics (2019): Consumer Price Index October 2019. It can be accessed via https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary

4. The Green Investment Club (2020): There’s honestly no way to say this. Customer weekly newsletter delivered on 12/11/2020

5. The Hill (2020): UN warns of “famines of biblical proportions” within the next year. Online newspaper publication by Joseph Guzman on 16/11/2020. It can be accessed via https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/poverty/526146-un-warns-of-famines-of-biblical-proportions-within-the-next

6. Grow4Peace (2020): Food Inflation: The Impact of COVID-19 on Food Demand and Supply in Nigeria. An article published by Ogbole Esther on 08/06/2020. It can be accessed via https://www.grow4peace.co.uk/2020/06/food-inflation-impact-of-covid-19-on.html

7. Premium Times (2020): What you need to know about Nigeria’s $1.2bn loan from Brazil. Online newspaper publication by Ntiedo Ekott. It cam be accessed via https://www.premiumtimesng.com/agriculture/agric-news/425277-what-you-need-to-know-about-nigerias-1-2bn-loan-from-brazil.html#:~:text=The%20Nigerian%20government%20has%20announced,at%20the%20House%20of%20Representatives.

The Author

Ogbole Esther

 

''As an agricultural enthusiast, I have long had a passion for contributing my quota to the growth and development of the Nigeria agricultural sector and this birthed an interest in research to see what and how precisely agricultural strategies are implemented in developed economies  of the world and how they can be adapted to suit the Nigerian scenario''.