1 min
The changes we have experienced within our environment in the last decade have been very drastic – which has negatively contributed to the issue of climate change and subsequent insecurity. From unreliable rainfall patterns, to increasing incidence of pests and diseases, increasing resistance to pesticides, harsh weather amongst others. This reality, although bitter, has not changed even with all the interventions and the situation is becoming alarming. In most developing countries, food inflation is increasing constantly, and alternatives have been explored but no solution in view.
In some places, there have been records of increasing clashes between farmers and herders. In times past, herders graze their livestock freely with the help of nature. However, as a result of prolonged drought, folders are rarely available in the wild, thus, they result in feeding on cultivated crops (losses incurred by the farmers), which has led to avoidable deaths and destruction of properties. Furthermore, we are experiencing increasing occurrences of erosion across farms and residential areas in urban and rural communities. In rural communities, the impact had become more pronounced due to the non-existence of social safety nets, creating wider gaps in resources distribution and more vulnerable groups to be catered for. We cannot continue to close our eyes to this social injustice in our society. We need to take responsibility.
Therefore, there is a need to develop a robust system that effectively manages emergencies and disasters in red zone areas, which are presently unattended until disaster happens. This is a reactive approach, which is unsustainable and expensive to bear. We need more proactive measures by the government and other relevant stakeholders to act at the appropriate time in order to salvage lives. Furthermore, we need to establish a working social security system that provides social support to the most vulnerable groups (which include farmers) at any time of the year, irrespective of their tribe, age or gender.
In conclusion, our social investment needs to match our social needs as we are faced with the impacts of climate change in order for it to be significant and impactful. Our farmers cannot continue to lose their investments and livelihood in the hands of climate change without any help. The government needs to incentivize the system to cater for their basic needs as they weather and confront these changes.
We cannot achieve food security through talks alone, let us put more effort into doing the work and walk the talk to achieve zero hunger. Climate change is here with us, we need to strategically address its impacts and control the situation for the sake of our future and food sovereignty.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
Therefore, there is a need to develop a robust system that effectively manages emergencies and disasters in red zone areas, which are presently unattended until disaster happens. This is a reactive approach, which is unsustainable and expensive to bear. We need more proactive measures by the government and other relevant stakeholders to act at the appropriate time in order to salvage lives. Furthermore, we need to establish a working social security system that provides social support to the most vulnerable groups (which include farmers) at any time of the year, irrespective of their tribe, age or gender.
In conclusion, our social investment needs to match our social needs as we are faced with the impacts of climate change in order for it to be significant and impactful. Our farmers cannot continue to lose their investments and livelihood in the hands of climate change without any help. The government needs to incentivize the system to cater for their basic needs as they weather and confront these changes.
We cannot achieve food security through talks alone, let us put more effort into doing the work and walk the talk to achieve zero hunger. Climate change is here with us, we need to strategically address its impacts and control the situation for the sake of our future and food sovereignty.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
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