To guarantee a long-term food security across the African continent, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, a professor of agriculture, has called on African leaders to transit from rain-fed agriculture to climate-smart and irrigation-based farming systems. Zulum was speaking while addressing participants at the 6th Edition of African Regional Conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), held in Abuja yesterday.
According to the Governor, there is urgent need for deliberate, strategic reforms and investments in Africa’s agricultural sector if Africa will have to actualize the dream of feeding itself.
The Governor said, “To feed ourselves sustainably, we must rethink how we grow our food. Transitioning from rain-dependent systems to resilient, water-smart approaches is imperative”.
The agric professor added that the strategy will involved embracing climate-smart agriculture and developing efficient and inclusive irrigation infrastructure that will guarantee an all-year round farming.
Meanwhile, Zulum advocated the need to empower research institutions, promote innovation, and enable the active participation of women and youth in agriculture as they form the larger part of the population.
“As a leader from a region facing both climate change and post-conflict recovery, I have seen first-hand how agriculture can restore dignity and rebuild communities.
“In Borno State, we are laying the groundwork for agricultural transformation through sustainable irrigation initiatives,” he remarked.