1 min
In this week's letter to his farmers, Babatunde stresses the need to change and make commitments now in response to climate change.
Our reality today is that the effects of climate change are pronounced and our day to day activities are being impacted; from mild to severe. Farmers are not left out especially smallholder crop farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture primarily in supporting their production activities.
Sadly, the sole dependence on rainfall to provide water for crops needs to be changed as it can no longer sustain our production. Therefore, for us to achieve food security, farmers must adopt the use of alternative source (s) of water, specifically, irrigation. Moreover, there is a need to encourage local development (R&D) of small-scale Irrigation facility; which should not cost arm and leg for it to be set up, especially for smallholder farmers. Also, it is important to promote small-scale irrigation facilities that are efficient, cost-friendly and meet the needs of the farmers.
Furthermore, there is a need to invest in microinsurance that suits the reality of our farmers. Due to the effects of climate change, more farmers are losing their livelihood; increasing flooding incidence in the farm, loss of biodiversity elements reducing productivity, increasing pest infestation influencing high cost of production, increasing illnesses due to exposure of farmers to harsh weather conditions affecting productivity, frequent drought amongst others. Therefore, it is pertinent to develop new insurance products that meet the increasing needs of the farmers who are most exposed to the effects of climate change. However, as much insurance is a good initiative, there is a need to communicate its value to the users in a manner that simplifies the products, well understood by them and eventually embracing it. This is a continuous process or a life-long process.
The change begins with every stakeholder to understand their responsibilities in promoting adaptive practices. From policy makers to the consumers, we all need to change our perception and embrace our new reality, and change our attitude towards our environment, our food and our activities that interact with the environment. The change begins with me and you, and there is no better time to make the commitment than now. NOW is the time!
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
Sadly, the sole dependence on rainfall to provide water for crops needs to be changed as it can no longer sustain our production. Therefore, for us to achieve food security, farmers must adopt the use of alternative source (s) of water, specifically, irrigation. Moreover, there is a need to encourage local development (R&D) of small-scale Irrigation facility; which should not cost arm and leg for it to be set up, especially for smallholder farmers. Also, it is important to promote small-scale irrigation facilities that are efficient, cost-friendly and meet the needs of the farmers.
Furthermore, there is a need to invest in microinsurance that suits the reality of our farmers. Due to the effects of climate change, more farmers are losing their livelihood; increasing flooding incidence in the farm, loss of biodiversity elements reducing productivity, increasing pest infestation influencing high cost of production, increasing illnesses due to exposure of farmers to harsh weather conditions affecting productivity, frequent drought amongst others. Therefore, it is pertinent to develop new insurance products that meet the increasing needs of the farmers who are most exposed to the effects of climate change. However, as much insurance is a good initiative, there is a need to communicate its value to the users in a manner that simplifies the products, well understood by them and eventually embracing it. This is a continuous process or a life-long process.
The change begins with every stakeholder to understand their responsibilities in promoting adaptive practices. From policy makers to the consumers, we all need to change our perception and embrace our new reality, and change our attitude towards our environment, our food and our activities that interact with the environment. The change begins with me and you, and there is no better time to make the commitment than now. NOW is the time!
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
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