It is a common belief that agriculture is a high risk sector, having several risks that are difficult to manage. However, over the years specific strategies have been developed in which many of these risks have been effectively managed to the bare minimum of severity. One of those risks is fire outbreaks on the farm, especially during the harmattan (or dry season).

It is sad that the issue of fire outbreak is a common sight during the dry season. Whereas many farmers have lost fortune due to this disaster, and largely caused by careless bush burning by hunters or herdsmen (in preparation of the rainy season for fresh grass for the herds). There are several means farmers have devised to reduce the cause of fire outbreak, such as fire tracing, dedicated area for smoking, prohibition of bush burning especially in the dry season amongst others. With these measures in place, farmers are still recording losses as a result of the fire outbreak.

Therefore, it is recommended that farmers who produce crops all year round should ensure the appropriate transfer of risks by purchasing insurance policies that protect them against fire outbreak (it is strongly recommended that all the measures above should be properly implemented in addition to the insurance). This will help to reduce the impact of the losses and help the farmers to bounce back quickly. Furthermore, we need the government to intensify the awareness on the damaging effects of bush burning on natural ecosystems and the health implications.

In conclusion, we all need to be involved to ensure that the issue of fire outbreak is put under check as soon as possible before it becomes a public concern in our communities. Currently, it is a growing concern and farmers, especially the dry season farmers, are at the receiving end with no compensation for their huge losses. Thus, we need to act fast and now.

Yours-in-Service,
Babatunde