How floods may impact 2024 rice harvest in Nigeria

Recent floods in Nigeria have raised fresh concerns about the state of the country's food crisis, particularly in the major rice-producing states in Northern Nigeria. With the threat of climate change looming large, the 2024 rice harvest is at risk of being severely impacted. Chike Nwagwu, Director of Novus Agro, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the use of technology to mitigate the effects of floods on agriculture and Ghana's recent ban on grain exports. Chike Nwagwu highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in Nigeria due to unpredictable weather patterns. He mentioned that NIMET had predicted the mini drought and the subsequent heavy rainfall, yet many farmers did not have access to this information or the resources to adapt their farming practices accordingly. Nwagwu emphasized the importance of strategic planning and the need for better dissemination of information to farmers to ensure more sustainable agricultural practices. The use of technology was also discussed as a potential solution to address the impact of climate change on agriculture. Nwagwu stressed the need for increased investment in agricultural technology and better education for farmers to improve climate resilience. He pointed out the lack of extension services in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for more field workers to provide farmers with essential information and guidance on agricultural best practices. In terms of production volume forecast, Nwagwu expressed concerns about the upcoming rice harvest in Nigeria. He cited multiple factors, including climate change, inflation, and flooding, that could negatively impact production. With prices expected to remain high due to reduced production, the outlook for the rice harvest in 2024 looks bleak. Turning to Ghana, Nwagwu addressed the recent ban on the export of grains and its implications for both countries. He criticized the short-term approach of banning exports, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning to ensure food security and promote economic growth. Nwagwu highlighted the need for a shift towards overproduction to meet both local demand and export opportunities, in line with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFTA). In conclusion, Nwagwu underscored the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and strategic planning to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and ensure food security in Nigeria and Ghana. While the immediate impact of floods and export bans may present obstacles, long-term solutions focusing on innovation and collaboration will be essential for the future of agriculture in both countries.