By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation last week released the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, AFO, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, DeBranch Farmers, Sandra Victor-Gwafan, Tuesday, called on government and nongovernmental organisations to adequately support farmers to mitigate impact of climate change as it affects food production and nutrients.

Speaking with Vanguard, Victor-Gwafan said as a climate expert, the climate change impact is adversely affecting farmers’ effort to feed over 230 million Nigerians, therefore, the need for farmers to be supported to ensure their commitment and efforts are not impeded by the elements of climate change.

She said: “Honestly, climate change is hitting us hard in Nigeria. At DeBranch Farmers, we have seen how unpredictable weather is messing with the planting and harvesting seasons. Sometimes there is too much rain, other times there is barely any. This has made it tougher to grow enough food, especially for communities that are already struggling. It is not just about farmers, it affects the whole country’s food supply and pushes up prices for everyone.

“Farmers are literally feeling the heat. Crops like maize, rice, and even vegetables are not growing the way they used to. With the harsh weather conditions all over the place, it is harder to know when to plant. Pests and diseases are also becoming more common, which cut into harvests. For a lot of farmers, this means they are getting less from their farms and making less money, even after working twice as hard.

However, she lamented that, “Some traditional practices just are not sustainable anymore. Things like bush burning, cutting down trees to make more land, or using too many chemical fertilizers only make the situation worse.

“We tell our farmers to stop monocropping too; growing the same thing over and over makes the soil weak and more vulnerable to climate shifts. If we want to protect the land, we have to farm smarter.”

Meanwhile, on the best preventive measures for farmers to tackle climate change, she counseled that they should use drought-resistant seeds and conserve the soil with mulching or cover crops.

“There are practical things farmers can do. At DeBranch, we encourage using drought-resistant seeds, planting different types of crops, and conserving soil with mulching or cover crops. We also promote the use of organic fertilizers—they’re better for the soil and safer for the environment in the long run. Water management is key too, so we support drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. And with access to weather alerts and farming apps, farmers can make better decisions. These strategies help them stay productive and profitable, even with all the climate challenges.

“We have been really active in this space. We have trained thousands of farmers in climate-smart techniques and shown them how to get better results without harming the environment. We provide access to improved seeds, organic fertilizers, and solar-powered irrigation systems.

“We have introduced digital tools that help farmers track weather patterns and plan accordingly. Plus, we’ve set up demo farms where they can see everything in action. Our mission is simple: help farmers grow more, earn more, and build resilience—no matter what the climate throws at them”, she added.