In response to the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural yields, the Clement Isong Foundation, a Civil Society Organisation based in Akwa Ibom State, is advocating for government intervention to supply enhanced and resilient seed varieties to farmers.
The call was made in a statement issued on Friday following a Budget and Climate Accountability townhall organized by the Foundation in collaboration with ActionAid and the Danish International Development Agency. The CSO emphasized that providing improved seeds would instill confidence among farmers grappling with the impact of climate change.
Furthermore, the group urged governments at all levels to develop climate change amelioration and mitigation programs aimed at minimizing losses experienced by farmers due to the phenomenon.
The statement highlighted the importance of addressing agricultural adaptation issues and recommended specific actions, stating, “Government should establish a rapid response unit in all agricultural zones and local government areas of the state. There should be an aggressive execution of awareness campaigns on the impact of climate change within farming communities in Akwa Ibom State.”
Additionally, the CSO stressed the need for the timely distribution of improved and resilient seed varieties, as well as grants to individual farmers who have suffered losses. The group emphasized that climate change amelioration and mitigation programs should be inclusive, targeting all farmers regardless of their location. Finally, the statement underscored the critical attention required for issues related to agricultural adaptation, emphasizing that farmers must adapt before effective mitigation measures can be implemented.