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Farmers laud drop in food inflation, seek sustainability

Michael Simire
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Farmers laud drop in food inflation, seek sustainability

Local farmers have lauded the drop in food prices for the month of July 2024 as reported by Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

ActionAid Agriculture
Agriculture

The farmers, in separate interviews, also called for the sustainability of the price-drop.

Mr Femi Oke, Southwest Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said the palliatives of the Federal Government to the sector also aided the drop in the food prices.

“It is laudable that the food inflation rate dropped in the month as reported by the NBS. It is good that the government is now taking cognisance of agriculture.

“The palliatives to the farmers and subsidisation of agro-inputs by the government has really been helpful this period. Their prices have been subsidised by the government,” Oke said.

He also noted: “We were also pre-informed on when to begin our farming because of effect of climate change. So, this helped most farmers prevent loss of crops and capital.

“With these measures the government has put in a place for the benefit of the sector, we are not surprised the prices came down a bit in the month of July.

“If the government continues with its palliative measures, definitely drop-in food inflation rates will be sustainable.

“With the introduction of mechanised farming that the government is promoting there is no way a farmer cannot produce all year round if he so desires.

“The reason we were not able to produce all year round is because of the nonchalant attitude previously paid to the agriculture sector,” AFAN chairman said.

According to Oke, the price of tomatoes and habenero pepper also known as “Ata rodo” has drastically dropped, compared with previous months.

“Some state governments have also started giving interventions and helping various value-chains in the agriculture sector.

“We, however, need enough extension service agents to help educate farmers on adequate farming techniques for greater yields.

“They should be educated on seed varieties, soil tests, application of fertilisers and agrochemicals, to help increase yields,” he said.

Mr Mojeed Iyiola, Lagos State Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), also urged the government to put in more efforts for food price stability.

“The reason for the drop-in food inflation rate in July is largely because of the harvest season as attested to by local farmers.

“However, after some time if adequate measures are not put in place and sustained, we may return to status quo.

“Two tubers of yams were sold at N5000 last week and this week, but weeks ago one tuber sold for as high as N7,000. This price drop is only sustainable for a while because of the harvests.

“However, to a limited extent the government’s palliatives to the sector have also contributed to the drop in some food prices.

“We hope the government’s intervention in the sector will be sustainable, so we do not experience a price reduction just for few weeks and price hike in later weeks.

“We need a programme that will cushion the effect of the issues prompting food hike at least for a period of time,” Iyiola said.

He also reiterated the importance of investing in irrigation systems, to ensure consistent harvests.

“We also need to invest in irrigation systems due to inadequate rainfall, to achieve continuous harvests.

“Irrigation systems will help us ensure timely harvests, to stabilise food prices.

“If majority of local farmers are waiting for the rains, then this will be disastrous to food prices,” the PAN chairman said.

By Mercy Omoike

Rural Electrification Agency inaugurates 40KWp solar mini grid in Abuja community

Michael Simire
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Rural Electrification Agency inaugurates 40KWp solar mini grid in Abuja community

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has inaugurated a 40 Kilowatts peak solar hybrid mini grid in Rafinzurufi Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Solar mini-grid
A solar mini-grid system

The project, which was completed under the Rural Electrification Fund – Call 2 programme, will provide clean, safe, affordable and reliable electricity for the community members.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, August 17, 2024, the Minister of State, FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, said that residents of Rafinzurufi community would experience socioeconomic transformation like never before.

The minister, represented by her Special Adviser, Mr Michael Bawa, said that access to sustainable electricity would create opportunities and possibilities to previously unconnected citizens.

“This is why the work being done in rural communities by the REA further shows that the Federal Government is keen on leaving no one behind in the delivery of its developmental programmes,” she said.

The REA Managing Director, Mr Abba Aliyu, said that the project reiterated the agency’s commitment to electrifying rural communities.

Abba, represented by Mrs Doris Uboh, Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, said that the mini grid would brighten the community.

“Today, as we officially inaugurate this mini grid, we are not merely ushering in brighter nights and productive days in this vibrant community but unlocking opportunities for all,” he said.

Mr Anayo Okenwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Nato Tropical Technology Limited, said that the project would reverse rural urban migration.

According to him, the community is expanding, and we can see the kind of development electricity brings.

“We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank REA for their support to us and the development of electricity projects across the country,” he said.

The Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Abubakar Giri, represented by Mr Muhammad Gasheda, congratulated the people of Rafinzurfi. Giri appreciated the community’s support and cooperation during the implementation of the project.

“It is my prayer that it will help increase and bring more investors to this community,” he said.

On his part, the Etsu of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Musa, said that the project had made the community to believe in the promises of the Federal Government.

“Indeed, this is a sign that the government has not forgotten the rural people of this country,” he said.

By Constance Athekame

Mpox: Nigeria’s public health in need of urgent improvement – Tomori

Michael Simire
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Mpox: Nigeria’s public health in need of urgent improvement – Tomori

Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a leading virologist and former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, has warned that the country is at a critical juncture in healthcare delivery.

Oyewale Tomori
Prof. Oyewale Tomori

Tomori said this in an interview on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Abuja, while commenting on the Mpox outbreak.

The Virologist underscored the urgent need for improving disease surveillance, enhanced laboratory support, while finalising plans to produce vaccines locally to contain outbreaks like mpox.

He stressed the importance of raising awareness about the diseases plaguing the country while fully engaging and empowering communities in surveillance efforts.

“A balanced integration of these aspects of disease control and response is crucial for national preparedness for controlling mpox and, also, for responding to other current and future disease outbreaks,” he said.

He said that Nigeria’s ability to effectively combat emerging infectious diseases rests on a robust surveillance system.

“The foundation for controlling any disease, including mpox, is surveillance. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty from any disease outbreak.

“Without early detection and monitoring, we will always play catch-up, running helter-skelter like decapitated chickens after rampaging diseases.

“For the good health of our people and our national health security, that is not a position we can afford to be in,” he said.

He described the ongoing upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where inadequate surveillance has led to the spread of the disease to neighboring countries, as a cautionary tale for Nigeria.

“Effective disease control requires the integration of several capabilities: rapid detection, reporting, laboratory confirmation, isolation and treatment of cases.

“Proper data management allows us to plan and implement an appropriate response, limiting the spread of cases and preventing a national, continental, or international emergency,” he said.

Tomori said that many African countries had the necessary human health workforce to prevent and control outbreaks.

He, however,  criticised governments for failing to provide sustained funding to create and maintain an enabling environment for health workers.

“Instead of building on our strengths, our experienced health workers, governments have underfunded public health systems and turned around to beg foreign governments and agencies for vaccines

“We forget that with effective surveillance, we can prevent outbreaks that become international concerns, reducing the need for vaccines,” he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current capabilities, he expressed concern over the nation’s dependence on international vaccine supplies.

According to him, we are far from being able to produce human vaccines locally, despite past efforts.

“In my father’s time, Nigeria was self-reliant in many areas.

“Today, though significant efforts are being made by the government, we have wasted too much precious time and are not close to achieving an acceptable position in local vaccine production,” he said.

He warned that relying on external sources for vaccines could leave Nigeria vulnerable, especially in times of global shortages.

Looking forward, Tomori called for a comprehensive national strategy that prioritises health system strengthening, local vaccine production, and research.

“We cannot continue to repeat the same mistakes we have made for the last 50 years.

“It is time for Nigeria to take control of its public health destiny and ensure that we are prepared for the next pandemic,” he assured.

By Abujah Racheal

Urban renewal will discourage rural-urban migration in Cross River – Commissioner

Michael Simire
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Urban renewal will discourage rural-urban migration in Cross River – Commissioner

The Cross River State Government says its decision on an urban renewal drive across the three senatorial districts of the state will further the development agenda and discourage rural-urban migration.

Prince Bassey Edet Otu
Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Pius Edet, who made this known in an interview in Calabar on Sunday, August 18, 2024, disclosed that the Gov. Bassey Otu-led administration is presently carrying out urban renewal in Ikom, Ugep, and Ogoja Local Government areas of the state.

He added that the process kick-started with the construction and rehabilitation of internal roads in the areas.

Edet said that Calabar, the state capital, was also receiving the attention of the state government as part of efforts to restore the city to its lost glory.

“As for the Calabar metropolis, we have worked on major roads across the city and also the roundabouts.

“These are meant not only to improve traffic but also the aesthetic beauty of the city,” he said.

The Commissioner also announced plans to construct four flyover bridges in Calabar and other cities as part of efforts to control traffic in the State.

He said that the flyovers would be sited in Calabar and Ikom Local Government Areas of the State.

“Since time immemorial, we have been having issues with traffic control in some areas in Calabar and Ikom. The volume of traffic in these spots and their position have led to the loss of lives and properties.

“To put an end to this, the government will construct a flyover at MCC and Mobil by Highway and Effio Ette Junction both in Calabar. Another flyover will be sited at the popular Four Corners, Ikom,” he said.

The Commissioner said that no fewer than 200km of roads had been constructed by the Bassey Otu-led administration within the last year.

Edet, who bemoaned the state of federal roads in Cross River, said that the state government had resolved to improve some of the roads to make life easy for its citizenry.

According to him, the governor has shown leadership in a bid to ensure comfort for the people of the state and the development of the State.

“The governor hit the ground running by quickly embarking on roads that have made life unbearable for the people.

“While the government embarked on the rehabilitation of some roads, new ones are also being constructed across the three senatorial districts. Bridges are not left behind on this ambitious project.

“It should be noted that some of these roads and bridges have been left abandoned for 25 to 40 years,” he said.

He said the state was ready to partner with the federal government to rehabilitate federal roads and bridges.

“We know the enormous responsibilities of the Federal Government across the 36 states, but if they are ready for partnership in the area of roads and bridges, we will not hesitate also.

“But we can’t wait for them and allow our people to continually suffer because of the poor state of federal roads,” Edet said.

He also said that the 365km rail line – a flagship project of Otu’s administration in the state – would be completed within his tenure.

“This rail line that will link the capital city to Obudu will not be abandoned as being insinuated, it will be completed and inaugurated by this government,” he said.

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Scientists, media professionals end Arusha meeting with commitment for enhanced relationship to improve science communication

Michael Simire
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Scientists, media professionals end Arusha meeting with commitment for enhanced relationship to improve science communication

African Union (AU)’s quest for member countries to embrace and apply modern scientific tools including biotechnology to redeem Africa’s agriculture from the vagaries of pests, diseases and undesirable climatic conditions, will require the commitment of all stakeholders especially scientists, science communicators and science journalists.

Dr. Willy Tonio
Dr. Willy Tonio, head of GenBio Consortium Secretariat

This group of stakeholders include those who generate, translate, repackage and disseminate information to targeted stakeholders and the general public. They play a key role in the processes that may lead to successful public input and eventual key support in the development, decision-making and adoption of biotechnology and genetic biocontrol technologies for animal, public health, and conservation in Africa.

“Therefore, it is critical that this group of people gain an understanding of how biotechnology intersects with globalisation, trade, poverty, food security, disease control and environmental sustainability,” says Dr. Willy Tonio, head of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (GenBio Consortium) Secretariat. He strongly felt that such communicators needed to sharpen their skills to craft thoughtful and effective arguments, with supporting evidence at the intersection of science and social science on issues of public policy and applicable laws and regulations.

The Arusha Science Communication Workshop

To this end, the GenBio Consortium in partnership with the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), brought together a group of 20 scientists, science communicators, editors and journalists from Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, to develop their capacity on science communication at a three-day workshop sometime in July 2024, in Arusha, Tanzania.

Their focus was on how to utilise appropriate communication tools and practices to advance informed decision-making for development of genetic biocontrol technologies for animal, public health, and conservation, particularly in the Eastern and Southern African region. Again, it was to increase the number of people with sufficient knowledge and understanding to be able to effectively communicate genetic biocontrol within that region.

The workshop was also an occasion to strengthen alignment among stakeholders to build future collaborative efforts in risk communication that support decision-making processes for genetic biocontrol agents or products in Eastern and Southern African countries.

The Communique

Following the three days of deliberations, the participants issued a communique, calling for enhanced relationships between scientists and communicators/journalists in order to improve dissemination of scientific findings in a simplified manner.

According to the communique, one way of enhancing scientists and media relationship, was for scientific institutions to conduct exhibitions and “seeing is believing” tours to enable communicators and journalists better appreciate ongoing field trials in genetic biocontrol research, for example.

It proposed the establishment of scientists and media partnerships through which scientists could share their research findings, while journalists would have access to reliable sources and also verify scientific facts before publishing their news stories. Such partnerships could facilitate the creation of platforms to prioritise discussions on science matters focusing on emerging technologies.

The communique further called for the identification of biotechnology champions from both scientists and journalists to spearhead and maintain relevant and important topics within the public domain.

It encouraged the development and submission of joint proposals during calls for applications for funding of projects. This is to ensure that communication needs were fully incorporated at the proposal stages.

On the subject of increasing general knowledge and media coverage of science matters as well as build a critical mass of science communicators, while fostering a society that values science innovation and evidence-based decision making; the communique advocated the development of a training manual/curriculum that also provides guidelines on biotechnology communication.

The communique ended on a note of anticipation for the recommendations to serve as an input to consultations among all stakeholders tasked with furthering implementation, monitoring and evaluation of emerging technologies in their countries.

Excerpts of the opening session of the Workshop

Earlier at the opening session, Prof. Dorington Ogoyi of the Technical University of Kenya presented an overview on the International and regional frameworks governing biotechnology and biosafety. He recalled that the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is a major global instrument on the movement of Living Modified Organisms (LMO) for the safety of the environment, human and animal health.

The Protocol was adopted in January 2000 by the Conference of Parties (COP) to the CBD and came into force in September 2003. It has established rules and procedures based on five core areas. These are: procedures for moving LMOs across borders, risk assessment procedures, the biosafety clearing house, capacity building and public awareness.

The Executive Director of EASTECO, Sylvance Okoth, reminded participants that there is a lot of work to be done and “it begins with proper science communication.” He further reminded them of how inaccurate information adversely impact communication and urged them, “to ensure that great care is taken on the kind of messages they pass onto specific target groups.”

The Executive Director of the Kenya Editors Guild, Rosalia Omungo, was of the view that the fact that the technology was still developing, is an opportunity for journalists to focus on science and sustainability.

She stated: “The beauty of the technology is how well we communicate the message of how the technology is scaling up food security.”

By Ama Kudom-Agyemang

COP29: ‘Host Country’ Agreement text fully agreed upon

Michael Simire
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COP29: ‘Host Country’ Agreement text fully agreed upon

The final text of the “Host Country” Agreement to be signed between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, has been fully agreed upon.

Samir Nuriyev
Samir Nuriyev

Samir Nuriyev, Head of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration and Chairman of the COP29 Organising Committee, said during the sixth meeting of the committee held on Friday, August 16, 2024, that full inclusivity has been ensured regarding the invitations to the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change for the Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place from November 12-13.

As the Organising Committee of COP29 met on Friday, Nuriyev noted that the preparation for COP 29 is progressing extensively under supervision of President Ilham Aliyev.

He highlighted President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks at the Shusha Global Media Forum held on July 20 as the head of state’s vision lies in building bridges between developed and developing countries.

Nuriyev underlined that full inclusivity had been ensured with respect to invitations sent to the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to attend the World Leaders Climate Action Summit to take place on November 12-13.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee stated that Azerbaijan is making sincere efforts to bridge the differences between developed and developing countries regarding the new financial target. He highlighted that on July 26-27 in Shamakhy, an innovative format of informal consultations was organised at the level of heads of delegations from various countries.

He also noted that Azerbaijan’s COP29-related initiatives have been widely communicated to the public, with particular international attention given to the proposals for a ceasefire during the COP and the creation of a Climate Finance Action Fund.

Nuriyev announced that, at the end of August, Azerbaijan is set to sign Memorandums of Understanding with the Commonwealth regarding the establishment of a Technical Assistance Fund for Small Island Developing States, and the implementation of projects on climate change by “Azercosmos” in these states.

Highlighting the meetings of the COP29 International Advisory Committee and the COP29 Scientific Council, Nuriyev stressed the importance of using full potential of both institutions.

Then, Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, President-Designate of COP29, provided an update on the overall state of affairs concerning COP29, the informal consultations held at the end of July in Shamakhi at the level of heads of delegations from various countries, and the upcoming international visits of the COP29 team.

Arif Samadov, Chief of the Protocol Service of the Azerbaijani President, touched upon the preparations for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit during the COP29.

Vilayat Eyvazov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Internal Affairs shed light on measures undertaken to ensure public security during COP29.

Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, discussed transportation arrangements during COP29, including the capacity of airports to handle the expected traffic.

Nigar Arpadarai, the Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29, provided an update on her activities in this role.

Elchin Guliyev, Chief of the State Border Service, reported on the operation of border checkpoints in preparation for COP29.

Narmin Jarchalova, the Chief Operating Officer for COP29 Azerbaijan, discussed organisational and logistical preparations, including work at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the “Blue” and “Green” zones, and the organisation of events and pavilions.

Maryam Majidova, Chairwoman of the Youth Gender Equality Centre “Gender Hub,” informed the meeting about the activities of NGOs related to COP29.

The meeting concluded with directives for the implementation of the COP29 Action Plan and other related tasks.

Record low rainfall sparks harvest fears in Gombe

Michael Simire
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Record low rainfall sparks harvest fears in Gombe

Some farmers in Gombe State have expressed fears of a poor harvest amidst the historic insufficient rainfall being witnessed in the state.

Rainfall
Rainfall

An investigation carried out in the state on Friday, August 16, 2024, revealed that some farmers are worried as the time for harvesting crops approaches.

Others have turned to alternative means of supplying water on their farmland to augment the low rainfall.

Mr Banyula Hala, the chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Gombe State, said the insufficient rainfall, which he attributed to the effects of climate change, had impacted negatively on farming activities in the state.

Hala said rainfall was from God, and there was nothing anyone could do but look for a way around it.

According to him, the issue of low rainfall is a challenge to farmers, and it will affect the food security efforts of the government in this year’s cropping season.

“In some of the farms in the state, the rice that was planted has dried up, whilst in waterlogged areas, the crop did fine.

“But generally, there will be a challenge this season because, for the past decade, we have not really witnessed this kind of rainfall,” he said.

The AFAN chairman said the situation would affect the income of farmers, given the high cost of inputs and the insufficient rainfall.

According to him, the negative impact of climate change on agriculture will continue for a long time, hence the need for government and stakeholders’ intervention to ensure food security.

“The Federal and Gombe State governments must intervene through massive investment in dry season farming to augment what climate change is depriving farmers.

“All the dams in the state should be resuscitated so that farmers can harness the potential in irrigation farming, which remains the only way out,” he said.

For Alhaji Musa Arab, a multi-grain farmer in Gombe, the impact of climate change had become a serious threat to food security, sustainable agriculture, and poverty reduction among farmers.

Arab said this year’s rainfall situation was such that had never been witnessed by farmers in the state, and “this will definitely affect food availability and incomes of farmers.”

He said he had studied the impact of climate change on agriculture and that made him switch to irrigation farming.

“So, I will not be affected by the insufficient rainfall because my crops get alternative sources of water.

“For the past two years, I have not been depending on rain-fed agriculture; during the wet season, I only cultivate drought-resistant crops and do not require a high amount of water to survive.”

He said the only solution to the losses being incurred by farmers in Gombe as a result of low or insufficient rainfall could be remedied through irrigation and mechanised farming.

He commended the effort of the federal government to mechanise farming through the procurement of tractors and farm implements.

Arab called on residents to take action against climate change by planting trees and not cutting down existing ones, noting that whatever affected the environment would definitely impact heavily on farming activities.

Mr Daniel Mofunanya, a farmer in Nasarawo community, said the rainfall for this cropping season was “grossly inadequate” for even crops that required average rainfall.

Mofunanya said since 1991, when he had been engaging in farming activities, he had never witnessed such low rainfall, which he said would affect productivity during harvest.

“Most farmers in the state usually cultivate twice before the end of the wet season, but now the first crops we cultivated, which were cultivated late in July, didn’t receive enough rainwater.

“This is worrying, and many farmers are already apprehensive because, in some farms, crops have turned yellow and are dying off; that’s people’s livelihoods at stake,” he said.

Others who spoke expressed similar concerns and called for more investment in irrigation farming to avert a major food crisis in the state and country.

By Peter Uwumarogie

Genome editing can enhance sustainable food production, says don

Michael Simire
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Genome editing can enhance sustainable food production, says don

Dean, Faculty of Science, Edo State University, Uzairue, Prof. Charles Adetunji, says genome editing technology is capable of meeting society’s demand for sustainable food production.

Genome editing
Gene editing in human

Adetunji, who spoke on Friday, August 16, 2024, in Abuja, said the technology also ensured increased crop yields, while protecting the environment and adapting to climate change.

Adetunji, who is also the President, Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomic Network, said there were benefits derivable from agricultural genome editing.

According to him, genome editing is a technique in which specialised enzymes that have been modified, can insert, replace or remove Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from a genome with a high degree of specificity.

The academic explained that the technology was low cost; thereby opening up to researchers in non-profits, smaller companies and public institutions.

He said genome editing was resistant to pests and disease stress, allowing plants to thrive without pesticides.

“Cassava can resist brown streak disease and mosaic virus; apples can be protected from fire blight; potatoes from late blight and oranges from citrus greening disease.’’

Adetunji disclosed that the technology was also herbicide tolerant, allowing farmers to benefit from more effective weed control for canola, flax and rice among others.

He listed other benefits of the technology as increasing plant tolerance to heat, floods, salinity, droughts and extreme cold for a wide variety of crops.

According to him, it produces higher yields with lower fertiliser, water and nitrogen inputs and also reduces food waste as consumers enjoy the non-browning features in mushroom, apples and potatoes.

“Increased nutritional traits benefit consumers with advances like potatoes with lower acrylamide levels, higher fibre levels in wheat and oleic oil content in soybeans and better starch quality in corn.

“Geographically, specific research allows for regional issues and challenges to be addressed by local scientists and research institutes, rather than large multinationals with global applications of single trait,” Adetunji said.

He said that genome editing allowed for more efficient livestock muscle development and body growth which translated to better economic benefits for farmers.

By Sylvester Thompson

Climate change: Plant different crop varieties to prevent losses, Centre urges farmers

Michael Simire
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0
Climate change: Plant different crop varieties to prevent losses, Centre urges farmers

National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) has advised farmers to plant different varieties of crops to prevent total loss due to climate change challenges.

Dr Anthony Okere
NACGRAB Director, Dr Anthony Okere

NACGRAB Director, Dr Anthony Okere, gave the advice during a Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on Seed for Resilience (SFR) project.

The programme was organised by NACGRAB, in collaboration with Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust), in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, August 16, 2024.

According to Okere, most farmers in Nigeria usually do mono-cropping, which can lead to total loss, occasioned by climate change challenges.

“We must encourage our farmers not to have only one accession of a particular crop on their field so that they can have something to fall back on whenever the issue of climate change challenges comes on board.

“If they do this, there will not be total loss for any farmer because we are trying to create a smart agriculture by way of releasing materials that farmers will always need,” the director said.

He said that the project was aimed at establishing new modes of collaboration by encouraging and exposing diversity of crops to farmers so as to tackle the effects of climate change.

Okere said that most farmers in Oyo State had been taught on better ways of cultivating cowpea and sorghum accessions in the last three years.

He said that the clusters of farmers put together for the project would be the future drivers of food security in Nigeria, as regards climate change.

“Most of the cluster groups that we have trained will help in seed multiplication of cowpea and sorghum accessions,” he said.

Giving an update on the project, Mr Sunday Osewa, a NACGRAB staff member, said it came into existence in 2021, with the aim of improving the efficiency of NACGRAB genebank.

He said that the project was also targetted at enhancing the use of conserved genepool by farmers and other users of genetic resources in the country.

Osewa said that a total of 150 farmers in Oyo State were given cowpea and sorghum seeds accessions for dissemination between January and August.

Osewa said that the farmers were selected from Ipapo, Igboho, Kishi, Otu and Igboora towns, adding that the feedback gotten from them about the high yield of those seeds was very encouraging.

He said that there were more seed accessions in the NACGRAB genebank that would be given to farmers.

In his remarks, Prof. Owolade Feranmi of Institute of Agriculture Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, called on cowpea farmers to commence plantation between Aug. 25 and Sept. 10 and plant different varieties to increase germination.

“Planting of different varieties will enable the farmers to identify those that can grow well in a particular climate change, and this will reduce loss,” he said.

NACGRAB was established with the mandate to collect and conserve valuable genetic resources for food and agriculture as well as ensure their sustainable usage.

By Suleiman Shehu

Methane emissions: Stakeholders call for stronger policies, enforcement

Michael Simire
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0
Methane emissions: Stakeholders call for stronger policies, enforcement

Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry have called for stronger policies and enforcement on methane emissions.

Methane emission
Methane emission: Gas flare site

They particularly tasked the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) with this responsibility.

This is contained in a communique at the end of the multi-stakeholder dialogue in Abuja on “Strengthening Methane Emissions Reduction Strategies in Nigeria’s Gas Expansion Plans to Achieve a Just Energy Transition”.

The communique was produced by the Centre for Journalism Innovation Development (CJID) and issued by its Project Manager, Health Journalism Project, Adebowale Adedigba,  on Friday, August 16, 2024, in Abuja.

They urged the NUPRC and NMDPRA to enhance the existing regulatory frameworks on methane reductions to ensure stringent enforcement of their policies, and to require third-party verification by companies.

The stakeholders tasked the Federal Government and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) to secure adequate funding for methane reductions.

They said this could be achieved by forging partnerships with international financial institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and donor agencies.

The communique urged the stakeholders to explore innovative financing mechanisms, including green bonds, carbon credits, and public-private partnerships, to support these initiatives.

They urged the relevant government organisations to promote gender inclusivity in energy policies, identify disparities and opportunities for women, while developing policies that ensure suitable opportunities in the workforce.

According to the communique, the relevant government agencies should collaborate to develop tailored, accessible and improved Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems for the oil and gas sector.

“Stakeholders, including oil and gas companies, government agencies, and civil society, should be engaged to develop comprehensive leak detection and repair programmes.

“Cutting-edge technologies should be deployed for efficient leak detection and civil society organisations should be strengthened to monitor, report, verify, and disclose emissions data, towards holding companies and government accountable for methane emissions,” it stated.

Other recommendations proposed by stakeholders include investment in research and development and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The multi-stakeholders meeting was organised by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), in partnership with the CJID and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

NRGI also unveiled a new briefing paper on “Strengthening Methane Emissions Reductions in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector”.

By Martha Agas

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